The Brantford region solidifies itself as a top destination for manufacturing & distribution

Granite REIT, along with its leasing partner JLL Canada, is pleased to announce the launch of the Granite Telephone City Logistics Centre in Brantford, Ontario. 

Granite Telephone City Logistics Centre is positioned to be a world-class, 1.7M square foot business park strategically positioned in the dynamic and growing market of Brantford, just one hour west of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Brantford is ideally situated in the Greater Golden Horseshoe, one of the most dynamic and fastest growing regions in North America. This area is recognized for its highly educated workforce and multicultural population, whose social and economic diversity are critical factors for success in a knowledge-based economy. Growing interest from both investors and tenants confirms the need for space in the market and the rising potential of the region. 

The initial phase of the development will include a 409,000 SF building pre-leased to Barry Callebaut, who will be opening a new specialty chocolate production facility representing a projected investment of more than US$100 million, their largest capital investment in a North American production facility. Barry Callebaut’s factory will occupy nearly one quarter of the industrial park’s total area and create approximately 200 jobs in Brantford. 

“We are thrilled to be part of the growth of the Greater Golden Horseshoe area, a thriving location that is set to realize tremendous growth over the near term. We are proud to offer new and state-of-the-art facilities to help local, national and international companies expand into the region and positively impact the market for years to come”, said Kevan Gorrie, President and Chief Executive Officer at Granite REIT. 

Furthermore, Granite Telephone City Logistics Centre is targeting a Two Green Globes rating, demonstrating a significant achievement in resource efficiency, reducing environmental impacts, and improving (future) occupant wellness. 

“Brantford is very pleased to welcome Barry Callebaut to our community. City staff worked diligently to bring this new investment to our city and will continue to assist Barry Callebaut in establishing its presence in Brantford. We very much look forward to Barry Callebaut joining our expanding list of food manufacturing facilities”, said Brantford Mayor, Kevin Davis.

“Brantford is home to some of the top food and beverage manufacturers in the sector, committed to product, process and technological innovation,” said Sara Munroe, Director of Economic Development and Tourism, City of Brantford. “Barry Callebaut’s investment illustrates confidence in this City’s support for this vital sector that is so important to boosting both our local and provincial economy.”

“Brantford’s availability rate is extremely low at 0.95% as of Q2 2022, which means there is limited space for businesses to expand. We are committed to helping companies grow in this desirable market, accessing a strong local labour pool, solidifying the Greater Golden Horseshoe area as a top destination for manufacturing and distribution”, said Mitchell Blaine, Executive Vice President, Sales & Leasing, JLL Canada. 

The Granite Telephone City Logistics Centre is currently under development and the first phase is expected to be delivered in Q1 2024. Leasing opportunities are still available.

About Granite REIT

Granite is a Canadian-based REIT engaged in the acquisition, development, ownership and management of logistics, warehouse and industrial properties in North America and Europe. Granite owns 139 investment properties representing approximately 57.5 million square feet of leasable area.

About Barry Callebaut

With annual sales of about US$7.9 billion in fiscal year 2020/21, the Zurich-based Barry Callebaut Group is the world’s leading manufacturer of high-quality chocolate and cocoa products – from sourcing and processing cocoa beans to producing the finest chocolates, including chocolate fillings, decorations and compounds. The Group runs more than 60 production facilities worldwide and employs a diverse and dedicated global workforce of more than 13,000 people.

The Barry Callebaut Group serves the entire food industry, from industrial food manufacturers to artisanal and professional users of chocolate, such as chocolatiers, pastry chefs, bakers, hotels, restaurants or caterers. The global brands catering to the specific needs of these Gourmet customers are Callebaut® and Cacao Barry®, Carma® and the decorations specialist Mona Lisa®.

The Barry Callebaut Group is committed to make sustainable chocolate the norm by 2025 to help ensure future supplies of cocoa and improve farmer livelihoods. It supports the Cocoa Horizons Foundation in its goal to shape a sustainable cocoa and chocolate future.

About the City of Brantford

Located on Provincial Highway #403, one hour (88 km.) southwest of Toronto, the city of Brantford is ideally situated in the heart of Ontario’s economic engine, the Greater Golden Horseshoe region. Designated as an urban growth centre in the provincial growth plan, Brantford’s current population is approximately 100,000 and is projected to reach 163,000 by 2041.

With its diversified manufacturing sector and continually growing post-secondary presence - including Laurier Brantford and Conestoga College, Brantford is consistently recognized as a top investment location for business and one of the best places to buy real estate in Canada. The city boasts an accessible and supportive local government and business community, with infrastructure capacity to support future growth. Delivering big city amenities with a small-town feel, Brantford offers many unique advantages for living, working, investing, and doing business. For more information, please visit www.brantford.ca.