Making it in Middlesex: Stories of Business Success - Ontario Plants
Ontario Plants Puts Down Roots in Middlesex County
When Ontario Plants was looking to expand, they weren't just searching for available land. They were looking for a place to build their future.
North America's largest propagator of young plants for greenhouse growers found that place in Middlesex County. Their newest and most state-of-the-art greenhouse facility in Glencoe covers 12 acres, with three planned phases of expansion that will bring the site to a total of 48 acres. Combined with their established operation in St. Thomas, Ontario Plants currently produces nearly 40 million plants annually across both facilities.
Growing a Continent's Food Supply
Ontario Plants sits at the start of the food chain for millions of consumers across North America. The company propagates tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers, as well as more recently strawberries, and supplies those young plants to large greenhouse growers who then bring them to harvest and ultimately to store shelves and dinner tables.
The business was established some 20 years ago, initially supplying farms in southwestern Ontario. Over time, Ontario Plants has become a national producer of quality young plants, and expanded its reach to nearby American states including Michigan, Ohio, and Kentucky, and distribution as far as California.
Technology and Sustainability as a Competitive Edge
Innovation is central to how Ontario Plants operates and how it positions itself in the market. The company has made significant investments in automation, energy efficiency, and water sustainability across both facilities.
One of the most striking examples is water recycling. Ontario Plants recycles 98 percent of its water across both sites, a standard that reflects both operational efficiency and a genuine commitment to environmental responsibility. On the energy side, the company has moved away from high-pressure sodium fixtures, shifting to LED lighting to supplement natural light during winter months, reducing energy consumption while maintaining optimal growing conditions.
For Ontario Plants, these investments are not simply internal improvements. The company's approach goes beyond producing a quality plant; working closely with customers and partners to be a more fullsome service provider, offering expertise and solutions that extend well beyond the propagation stage.
"Our customers look to us for innovation, for leading the edge, if you will, in plant propagation," company leadership shares. "Technology and innovation really sets apart Ontario Plants from its competition." Mathieu van de Sande, President and CEO, Ontario Plants
A Personal Commitment to Better Food
The leadership behind Ontario Plants brings a deep personal connection to the work. Matthew van de Sande, President and CEO of Ontario Plants, immigrated to North America in the late 1980s with a background in cut flower growing, before shifting focus to vegetables over the last decade.
"The vegetable piece really allows me to focus on some areas where I have a lot of passion and providing a better, cleaner product for the consumer" Mathieu van de Sande, President and CEO, Ontario Plants
That commitment to the consumer, and to sustainability in food production, is part of what drives continued investment in innovation and in the communities where Ontario Plants operates.
People at the Core
Ontario Plants currently employs over 100 local people, with that number rising to nearly 300 during peak season. The company places a strong emphasis on workplace culture, recognizing that growing a quality product and fostering a positive, healthy work environment go hand in hand.
"We focus heavily on our people," Mathieu notes. "There is a big emphasis and focus for us on culture to ensure that not only we grow a good product, but that we all work together in a very happy and healthy manner."
Workforce availability was one of the primary reasons Ontario Plants chose Middlesex County for its expansion. The region offers the depth of local talent needed to support not just the current operation, but the multiple phases of growth the company has planned.
Why Middlesex County
The decision to invest in Glencoe was not made lightly, and it was not made in isolation. Ontario Plants credits Middlesex County with playing an active role in helping the business establish itself and continuing to look for ways to support its future growth.
"Southwest Middlesex is a good fit for Ontario Plants because there is opportunity for growth," leadership explains. "There is a lot of enthusiasm and excitement for us to continue to build in this area, and various ways Middlesex County has helped us to build this business here, and they are continuously looking at ways to continue to help us expand our business."
That collaborative relationship is exactly what economic development in Middlesex County is designed to deliver. Companies with options choose this region because they find more than a location. They find a partner invested in their long-term success.
Ontario Plants is direct about their intentions: "We truly see that our long-term future is here in Middlesex County."
Want to learn more about business opportunities in Middlesex County? Contact our Economic Development team to explore how we can support your expansion plans.
