The Resilience of London's Kellogg's Plant: For The Places You Call Home
It’s no secret to Londoners what the Kellogg’s plant in London, Ontario, meant to the city. The smell of fresh cereal in the morning air was a hallmark of the eastern parts of downtown London. To this day, the former Kellogg’s plant is a testament to the industrial and lively city south of Toronto. This article will tell the story of Kellogg’s plant building, its establishment in the early 20th century, its closing in 2014, and its ongoing transformation into one of the largest social clubs in Canada.
42.992237 N, 81.2153491 W - 100 KELLOGG LANE, THE FORMER KELLOGG’S PLANT
In the heart of London, Ontario, stands a testament to resilience, a place that has transformed from an iconic cereal factory to Canada's largest social hub. The Kellogg's plant, founded in 1924, became an integral part of the community for nearly a century, witnessing moments of triumph and challenges. Today, the echoes of its history resonate through the vibrant social fabric of the Old East Village.
The Golden Era: 1924-2014
In 1924, the visionary founder of Kellogg's, Will Keith Kellogg, took the reins of the London plant, propelling it into a golden era. For decades, it stood as a symbol of industriousness, producing beloved cereals like Corn Flakes, Frosted Flakes, and All Bran. The factory became woven into the fabric of London, employing generations and contributing to the city's growth.
Even in the early 20th century, London was a railway city. A major junction between Detroit and the rest of Ontario, London was a city cut down out of a forest that became a crucial stop on the rail line between the United states and the larger Canadian cities north. The Kellogg’s plant operations even featured a rail line that connected the plant with the rail infrastructure allowing the factory workers to load Kellogg’s products for transportation all across Ontario and the United states southward.
The Kellogg's plant in London, Ontario taken in the 1940s where the railway can be clearly seen on the eastern part of the plant.
Yet, challenges arose in the 21st century. In 2005, the plant produced 104 million kilograms of product, which marked a steady decline in production. The factory faced labour disputes, causing the plant to lock out unionized workers in June 2009. Economic shifts started when Kellogg’s invested 43 million dollars in its Bellville, Ontario plant. By December 2014, the end had come for the failing plant. Kellogg’s London closed its doors, leaving behind an 89-year-old legacy and 550 skilled workers without a workplace.
A Phoenix Rises: The Factory Emerges
The narrative of the Kellogg's plant didn't end with closure; instead, it underwent a remarkable transformation. Enter The Factory is a brainchild born from the idea that an abandoned factory could be more than a relic. It could be a place where the community comes together to laugh, play, and create memories.
The Factory, Canada's largest indoor adventure park, opened in 2018. From the ashes of the abandoned Kellogg’s plant, it sought to preserve the silhouette of the iconic London landmark while offering an array of activities for all ages. They cleared the southwestern part of the factory floor to make room for Canada’s largest trampoline park, warrior course, foam pits, dodgeball arena, and a climbers and zipline course overhead.
In an interview with the London Free Press, co-owner of the newly developed 100 Kellogg Lane, Paul McLaughlin said “We will make this a major tourist destination. It will be a major drawing point,” “That is what we’re trying to do here.”
Image of the Factory, Canada’s largest indoor trampoline park.
Bars and Brews: The Social Renaissance
As the Factory became a resounding success, the partners behind this venture didn't stop there. Recognizing the need for spaces where stories could be shared over a drink, bars were added to the complex. Powerhouse Brewery, a rustic roadhouse with a lively target audience and Paradigm Spirits Co, featuring a beautiful copper distillery, emerged, creating an atmosphere where residents could savour local flavours and unwind.
Then came Silverstacks Brewery, a homage to the smokestacks of the former Kellogg power plant. This craft brewery, an expansion of Tobermory Brewing Co., added a touch of local authenticity. The London landscape, once dominated by cereal production, now had a new aroma of crafted beers and spirits.
The copper distillery at Paradigm Spirits Co.
Hard Rock Hotels: The Crescendo of Transformation
Just when you thought the narrative couldn't get more exciting, Hard Rock Hotels stepped onto the stage. The 353-room Hard Rock Hotel London, set to be completed in 2025, is not just a hotel; it's an educational, cultural, and historical hub. Preserving the original industrial atmosphere, it will stand as a beacon of London's history and a gateway to its future.
Hard Rock Hotel London will house restaurants, the London Children’s Museum, the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame, and North America’s largest indoor ropes course. The vision is grand — to create a space where entertainment, education, and history converge.
Resident Clothing: Weaving Through the Fabric of London
Amidst this transformative journey, Resident Clothing finds its place. Just as the Kellogg's plant has evolved, so has Resident Clothing, a brand deeply rooted in London's identity. The London Ontario Collection from Resident Clothing celebrates this journey, offering streetwear that encapsulates the spirit of the Old East Village.
As you explore the history and future of the Kellogg's plant, we invite you to embrace the vibrancy of London through Resident Clothing. Our designs weave together the threads of local pride, community storytelling, and the rich heritage of London, Ontario.
