Ribbon cutting ceremony at Sucro Can Canada’s new refinery, HOPA Ports
Hamilton’s waterfront continues to evolve, and in May, HOPA Ports marked an important milestone with the opening of a new sugar refinery at Pier 15 in the Port of Hamilton. Developed by Sucro Can Canada in partnership with HOPA, the facility represents a significant regional investment and a strong signal of confidence in Hamilton’s role in Canada’s agri-food sector.
The $135-million refinery has been purpose-built to support long-term growth and strengthen supply chains. It will receive raw sugar by vessel and distribute refined products across Ontario, Quebec, and the U.S. Midwest, enhancing domestic processing capacity and improving access to a key ingredient for food manufacturers. At full capacity, the facility is designed to refine up to one million metric tonnes of sugar annually, with production scaling over time.
Beyond its size, the project reflects a long-term, collaborative approach to growth. It builds on more than a decade of partnership between Sucro Can and HOPA, which began with operations at Pier 10 in 2014. Today, that relationship has expanded into a next-generation facility supporting the evolving needs of Canada’s food manufacturing sector.
Hamilton is well positioned to support this growth. With access to marine, rail, and highway networks, and located within a day’s drive of millions of consumers, HOPA enables businesses to move goods efficiently and reliably. This connectivity continues to attract investment across a broader network of food production and processing industries.
For the local community, the benefits are tangible. The refinery supports skilled employment, with approximately 65 people working on-site, and contributes to the continued growth of Ontario’s food and beverage manufacturing sector. Increased refining capacity also provides greater supply certainty, enabling local businesses to plan and invest with confidence.
“Strong supply chains are built through collaboration across sectors; agriculture, logistics, manufacturing, trade, and government,” said Larissa Fenn, VP of Corporate Affairs at HOPA. “Projects like this also highlight the role HOPA plays in building a connected, sustainable network where businesses can grow.”
Through strategic infrastructure investments and partnerships that unlock private capital, HOPA supports efficient, resilient supply chains and long-term economic development.
As Hamilton continues to strengthen its position as an agri-food hub, the opening of Sucro Can’s new refinery reflects what can be achieved through shared vision and sustained investment. It is an investment not only in infrastructure, but in the people, industries, and communities that keep goods moving and contribute to Canada’s success.
