Granite Barry Callebaut Chocolate Factory

The developer, Granite REIT, had a clear vision for its 92-acre acquisition in Brantford, ON—transforming the site of a former quarry and asphalt plant into a high-density manufacturing and logistics hub. The result is Telephone City Logistics Centre, a master planned development designed to support large-scale manufacturing and distribution, positioning the site for long-term economic growth.

A speculative base building establishes the site’s industrial capacity, with Barry Callebaut as the first major tenant. The Swiss-based chocolate supplier expanded its North American operations for the first time since 2008, establishing its second-largest factory in North America. The development reinforces Brantford’s reputation as a major food and beverage manufacturing hub, supporting economic growth and supply chain expansion.

Demonstrating a seamless transition from master planning to a fully integrated food production facility, the project embeds performance-driven solutions to support compliance and global manufacturing standards. A highly integrated, multidisciplinary approach guided the adaptation of a speculative industrial shell into a specialized food production facility while maintaining strict regulatory and operational requirements. Meeting food-grade standards required upgrades to ventilation, life safety and GMP compliance, driving enhancements to air handling, sanitation and structural modifications. The half kilometer-long (0.31 mile) building adapts to support Barry Callebaut’s linear processing system, ensuring precise coordination of raw material intake, production flow and finished goods storage. A 39,679 square foot (3,686 square meter) mezzanine maximizes vertical space for processing and office functions.

This initiative balances environmental impact, economic growth and community integration. Sustainability is a core focus, with material selection, water management and high-efficiency ventilation enhancing the base building’s environmental performance. The facility’s two Green Globes certification highlights its strong commitment to environmental stewardship, aligning with Granite REIT’s sustainability goals. The development reinforces Brantford’s role in the Greater Golden Horseshoe’s expanding food manufacturing sector while creating 200 new jobs. Thoughtful site planning minimizes impact on nearby residential areas, fostering a responsible industrial presence that establishes a foundation for future growth.