April 29, 2024

Olymel plans to shut down poultry, pork production plant in Quebec, Canada

Canadian poultry and pork processor and distributor Olymel LP said it plans to close its Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu plant in Quebec, Canada.

The plant focuses on poultry production and a few pork products.

The company said 135 people would be affected by the decision, including 23 non-regulated employees and 30 employees with temporary foreign worker status. Olymel explained that the definitive plant closing is set for July 19.

The main reason for the closing was that the plant was operating at 40% capacity, according to Olymel. Reorganising production inside Olymel's operations will help move production to nearby plants with capacity that can handle these volumes.

"The decision to close the Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu plant is part of a major shift in production volumes and a situation of significant overcapacity at the plant," said Yanick Gervais, president and chief executive officer for Olymel. "Other Olymel facilities located nearby, where we have residual capacity, will be able to handle these volumes with a view to achieving savings and efficiency gains."

Employees of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu are expected to be part of a relocation plan where people can move to other operations in Olymel, including Saint-Jean-Baptiste (Unidindon), Saint-Damase, Ange-Gardien or a Boucherville distribution center.

Olymel also stated that it would take steps with federal and provincial authorities to help temporary foreign workers relocate to another company facility.

- Food Business News