Ice-cream maker Chapman’s has announced the start of construction on a $200-million facility in Markdale.

The project, which will increase production space by 35 percent, will allow the company to increase production capacity, develop new products, meet growing domestic demand and expand into international markets while creating new jobs in the region. It also includes the construction of a 175,000-square-foot production facility.

Construction is expected to start in May.

“This investment has allowed us to build a bigger facility and support higher paying jobs for Canadians,” said Ashley Chapman, COO of Chapman’s. “This expansion comes at a critical time for Chapman’s. The competition from multinationals has only increased in recent years and this project will help us to establish a stronger competitive ground.”

The addition of multiple new production lines will see Chapman’s provincial workforce expand to over 1,000 employees. The company is already Markdale’s largest employer.

Invest Ontario is supporting the project with a loan of up to $27 million.

“I’m thrilled to welcome Chapman’s latest investment in Ontario, which is a major vote of confidence in our province’s economy and workers,” said Premier Doug Ford. “We’re going to continue doing whatever it takes to protect workers by cutting red tape and making Ontario the most competitive place in the G7 to invest and create jobs.”

Chapman’s is Canada’s largest independent ice-cream manufacturer.