Factor Meals has opened a new 50,000-square-foot kitchen and distribution centre in Calgary, giving the firm production capabilities in Western Canada.

The opening comes as Factor prepares to launch nationwide meal-delivery service this fall, said the company. The new facility will produce and distribute the HelloFresh-owned company’s ready-to-eat meals throughout Western Canada. Factor, which launched in Canada in 2022 serving Ontario, Quebec and the Maritimes, said the Calgary operation will enable it to expand deliveries across the country.

The facility is expected to generate 400 jobs, according to the company.

“Activating our Calgary kitchen is a critical piece of the puzzle for Factor Meals in Canada,” said Ian Brooks, CEO of HelloFresh Canada, Factor’s parent company. “This facility positions us to achieve national service in the coming months, bringing fresh, nutritious, and convenient meals to millions of new households across the Western provinces.”

The project received $3.6 million in provincial and federal funding, including $2.3 million through Alberta’s Agri-Processing Investment Tax Credit and $1.3 million from the Sustainable Canadian Agriculture Partnership grant program.

Factor credited Invest Alberta, the province’s economic development arm, and Calgary Economic Development with bringing the investment to life by provided the company with direct access to local supply chains, skilled talent, and government resources critical to establishing and scaling operations in the Calgary region.

Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation Minister Tara Sawyer said Factor’s new facility is a prime example of how Alberta is attracting major investment in value-added processing.

“The Agri-Processing Investment Tax Credit and the Sustainable Canadian Agriculture Partnership help companies establish and grow in our province while taking advantage of some of the best agricultural inputs in the world,” sge said. :”Investments like this support local farmers, strengthen our ag sector and help meet the growing demand for high-quality agri-food products.”

Calgary Mayor Jeremy Farkas said Calgarians will benefit directly from the investment as Factor expands in the city, creating hundreds of jobs and strengthening our local economy.

“This expansion reflects Calgary’s continued growth as a destination for investment, where companies are choosing to scale, invest and be part of a city that is diversifying and building long-term economic strength,” he said.

The facility includes industrial ovens, grills, braisers, blast chillers and temperature-controlled warehouse space to support meal production and distribution while maintaining food safety standards.

Factor said the operation will source ingredients from regional suppliers and has partnered with Second Harvest, the Calgary Food Bank and the Community Kitchen Program of Calgary to donate surplus food and meals to residents experiencing food insecurity.

“We’re incredibly grateful for the partnership with the city and the province and look forward to continuing to support the local community,” said Kevin Marban, Factor’s general manager.

Photo: Factor Meals