When Norwell Dairy moved operations into a new 14,000 square foot building in 1990, president and partner in the business Hilco Stevens said he “thought we would retire there.”
However the company’s continued growth and success led to further expansion and the opening of a new 30,000 square foot facility in Mapleton’s industrial park in Drayton on Saturday.
Although the company moved into the facility in January, the grand opening was held Oct. 27, with numerous dignitaries and a large crowd of customers and area residents on hand for the celebration.
Stevens said the company, which employs over 100 people, including about 65 at the Drayton location, is confident they are in the right spot.
“We do believe with this move that, as Norwell Dairy, we are in the right location to serve the local dairy farmers.”
Partner Jack Bosman said, “We wanted to show the agricultural industry and the community that we were committed to the agricultural community and to this community.”
Local politicians who attended the event praised the company, which also has locations in Woodstock, Oakwood and Brinston, for their commitment to the local area.
Perth-Wellington MPP Randy Pettapiece congratulated “the owners of Norwell Dairy for staying in the community and ensuring that they are going to be here for many years to come.”
Wellington County Warden Chris White added, “the county recognizes how important this level of investment is to our county and the community.”
Mapleton Mayor Bruce Whale pointed out that Norwell Dairy is “one of the biggest providers of service to the dairy industry across the province.
“I think that’s quite an accomplishment,” said Whale, who commended the company for “staying in agriculture and keeping your business in Mapleton Township.”
