We Work Where They Used to Make Gum (No, Really)
The Wrigley Chewing Gum Factory in Toronto’s Leslieville neighbourhood is more than just a building — it’s a piece of industrial history that connects global brands to local communities. Today, the same historic site is home to Goodlather’s main manufacturing facility, linking a legacy of production to modern craft soapmaking.
William Wrigley Jr.: From Soap to Chewing Gum
Born in Philadelphia, William Wrigley Jr. started his business journey in Chicago in the late 19th century with Wrigley’s Scouring Soap. To boost sales, he offered customers free samples of baking powder with their purchase. When the baking powder became more popular than the soap, Wrigley pivoted — and famously began offering two packages of chewing gum with each can of baking powder.
Customer enthusiasm for the gum inspired Wrigley to focus entirely on chewing gum production, launching iconic products like Juicy Fruit, Spearmint, and Doublemint — flavours that remain household names today.
Building the Leslieville Factory
As demand for chewing gum grew in North America, Wrigley expanded its operations. In 1914, construction began on a new factory in Toronto’s Leslieville neighborhood to serve Canadian markets.
Designed by the same architectural firm responsible for the Chicago expansion, the building was created in Beaux-Arts style, typical of early 20th-century industrial architecture. Completed in 1916 at Queen Street East and Carlaw Avenue, the Leslieville factory became a major hub for production and distribution in Canada.
The Factory and the Community
For decades, the Leslieville Wrigley factory was a key employer, providing stable jobs and contributing to the neighborhood’s urban growth. Over time, changes in production methods and shifts in the local economy created uncertainty. In 1989, Wrigley made the difficult decision to relocate its Canadian operations, marking the end of an era. The building remained vacant for several years before redevelopment efforts began.
Transformation and Modern Use
In the early 2000s, the former factory was divided into residential lofts and smaller commercial units. Today, the area is celebrated for its vibrant arts scene, boutique shops, restaurants, and craft producers.
The historic Wrigley building now houses Goodlather’s main manufacturing facility, connecting the site’s legacy of production to the creation of high-quality, handcrafted soaps and personal care products. It’s a modern nod to the building’s original spirit as a center of craft and industry.
Learn More About Our Ingredients
Curious how Goodlather keeps sustainability and quality at the heart of our products? Explore our ingredients page and see how we craft soaps with care, from historic roots to today’s artisanal practices.
