The iconic Canadian coffee retailer is making a major commitment to its hometown by laying the foundation for a state-of-the-art roasting facility.

Tim Hortons is coming home. The company announced Wednesday that they have broken ground on a new, state-of-the-art roasting facility in Hamilton, Ontario, and are on track to begin roasting coffee there by the end of the year.

The planned 74,000 square foot facility will cost approximately $30 million (Canadian) to build and is expected to generate more than 100 jobs between construction and the hiring of permanent employees. Tim Hortons says the plant will be capable of producing millions of cups of coffee each year through an advanced roasting, processing, and high-speed packaging system.

“Coffee is the foundation of our success,” said Don Schroeder, President and CEO, Tim Hortons Inc. “This $30-million investment in coffee research and production is one of the largest of its kind in Canada and reinforces our commitment to delivering the best cup of coffee every time to every customer.”

Hometown pride

The company currently operates a roasting facility in Rochester, New York, and both facilities will produce 75 percent of the company’s coffee demand once the new plant is operational. However, the new plant will be a special place for Tim Hortons because it’s where the brand got its start.

“We’re especially proud to invest in Hamilton, where the Tim Hortons chain was born,” said Schroeder. “Hamilton city officials at all levels worked tirelessly to attract and secure our investment. Hamilton’s economic development team in particular helped expedite all necessary utilities and services to ensure the plant will be up and running as soon as possible.”

And Hamilton couldn’t be happier to have them.

“Tim Hortons’ $30-million investment showcases Hamilton as a destination of choice for major corporations,” said Hamilton’s Mayor, Fred Eisenberger. “Tim Hortons franchisees also hold a special place in the hearts of Hamiltonians. For decades they have contributed to local jobs and continue to support community sports, environmental and charity programs.”

The company says construction of the building is now underway and they expect it to be full operational by the end of the year.

Tim Horton’s is something of a Canadian/Northern US institution. If you live in that part of the world, you either love it or you don’t. I can remember my dad being excited when they first opened one in my hometown because it was a good place to get donuts. But now, in an era when the lowly donut has been replaced by paninis and bagels, Tim Hortons has shifted its focus to specialize in sandwiches and iced coffee.

According to company stats, it’s currently the fourth largest publicly traded quick serve restaurant chain in North America, based on market capitalization, and the largest in Canada. While there are just 520 stores in the US, Canada is home to the lion’s share of them with 2,917 stores.

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