Wrigley to close Toronto factory, affecting nearly 400 jobs

TORONTO – Wrigley announced the closure of its gum factory in Toronto, affecting approximately 400 jobs.

The factory’s production will be moved to Gainesville, Georgia, the company announced Tuesday, citing a longer term decline in business.

“We have made the very difficult decision to close our Wrigley Toronto gum factory in March 2016,” the statement reads. “Despite recent improvements in the gum category and increased productivity in our supply chain network, it has not been enough to offset declines in the gum category over recent years.”

Get breaking National news

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.

Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up

By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

The factory will close in March, 2016.

WATCH: Will feds help workers laid off by Wrigley factory closure?

Wrigley Canada is owned by Mars which also owns the gum brand Excel. The statement also says 80 per cent of Wrigley’s sales are in the United States.

The factory is located at 1123 Leslie Street near the corner of Leslie Street and Eglinton Avenue.  Approximately 400 people will be affected but the company has promised “reasonable” paid time off for interviews and career counselling, according to reports.