Dr. Oetker to open production facility in London, Ont.

Dr. Oetker Canada, the maker of frozen pizza brands, dessert brands and dry baking mixes for both retail and food service, announced that it will build a new frozen pizza production facility in London, Ont.

The plant, which will act as a production hub for the company's North American pizza operations, will bring more than 125 jobs to London and some expected 300 additional jobs to the area.  It is supported through Ontario's Rural Economic Development Program.

"Over the past few months, we've worked closely with officials from the Province of Ontario, the City of London and the London Economic Development Corporation," said Dr. Martin Reintjes, executive vice-president at Dr. Oetker.

"I am delighted to be able to participate in today's announcement and to thank them all for the financial support provided to Dr. Oetker Canada for this project. As a fourth generation family-owned and run business we understand the importance of community and we are thrilled to become a part of this thriving community here in London."

The new facility will help Dr. Oetker produce about 50 million frozen pizzas per year for the Canadian and U.S markets and source more than 24 million pounds of high-quality ingredients from Ontario farmers and food processors.

Dr. Oetker Canada has 120 employees, producing more than 300 products, and has doubled in size over the last five years due to new product development.

The Dr. Oetker pizza plant is slated to take up operations in late 2013.