Written By David Gomez, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
STRATHROY – On August 7, under clear skies and with shovels in hand, Burnbrae Farms marked the start of construction for its new egg grading facility in the Molnar Industrial Park. The groundbreaking ceremony brought together company representatives, municipal and county officials, provincial leaders, and community members.
The facility, expected to exceed 150,000 square feet, will be equipped with advanced technology to expand production capacity and modernize operations. The project builds on Burnbrae Farms’ long-standing presence in Strathroy-Caradoc, where it has operated for more than four decades.
Mayor Colin Grantham emphasized the economic significance of the development. “I really believe that this area is the next great economic driver, not just of Southern Ontario, but of Ontario as a whole,” he said. Highlighting agribusiness as the municipality’s top economic driver, he announced that Council had approved a $1.2 million grant through its Community Improvement Plan program in support of the project.
Lambton-Kent-Middlesex MPP Steve Pinsonneault called the investment “such good news for this community” and thanked Burnbrae Farms for believing in the region. He recalled touring the company’s facility last year before his election, noting he had been impressed by the level of automation and saying this next step takes innovation “even further.”
Middlesex County Warden Briand Ropp pointed to the company’s strong ties with local producers. “There is a lot of chicken farmers and egg growers out there in Middlesex County that have been working with your business for years, and they are more than one generation doing that as well,” he said.
Burnbrae Farms, a family-owned business with operations in multiple provinces, expects the new facility to be operational by late 2026. Company officials say the project will strengthen their ability to serve Canadian families while reinforcing their commitment to the local agricultural economy.
