Olymel continues to consolidate its activities and announces the closure of its Blainville and Laval plants

SAINT-HYACINTHE, QC, Feb. 1, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Olymel’s management announces the closure of two of its pork processing facilities: its Blainville and Laval plants. Unfortunately, this decision, which is part of a reorganization undertaken in 2021 and aimed at optimizing operations, will result in the loss of a total of 170 jobs. The United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW 1991P), which represents workers at the Blainville plant and all employees at both plants, was notified of this decision earlier today and was given 12 weeks’ notice under the provisions of Quebec’s Labor Standards Compliance Act . The date of cessation of operations has been set for April 28, 2023. The Company will provide opportunities to relocate to other Olympus facilities; a corresponding plan will be presented in the coming weeks. In addition, an outplacement committee will be set up to support employees with a career change.

“The decision to close our two processing plants in Blainville and Laval is part of the restructuring that began more than a year ago and reflects the ability of other plants to produce the same products, thereby realizing savings and efficiencies. I know this is a difficult decision for the employees involved, but I would like to reiterate our firm commitment to relocate anyone who so wishes to relocate to our other Olymel operations. I believe today’s announcement should enable us to expand our operational To achieve optimization goals more quickly in the context of unfavorable economic conditions with rising raw material costs, labor shortages and the weakness of certain markets, all of which are affecting the profitability of the company,” says Yanick Gervais, President and CEO of Olymel.

The Blainville and Laval plants have 134 and 36 employees, respectively. These two establishments specialize in the production of hams, pâtés and cured meats, which are marketed under different brand names, including La Tour Eiffel and Nostrano. Most of these brands will be retained and production volumes will be handled by other Olymel facilities, primarily in the pork processing plants. The fate of the buildings housing the two facilities will be assessed at a later date before their permanent closure on April 28.

About Olympus

Olymel is Canada’s leading producer, processor and distributor of pork and poultry meat. The company is dedicated to feeding the world and passionately pursues it with impeccable quality products. It has manufacturing and processing facilities in Quebec, Ontario, Alberta, Saskatchewan and New Brunswick. Olymel exports almost a third of its total turnover. Annual sales reach US$4.5 billion. The company sells its products mainly under the Olymel, Lafleur, Flamingo, La Fernandière, Pinty’s, Tour Eiffel and F. Ménard brands.

SOURCE Olymel lp

For more information: Olymel LP, Richard Vigneault, Corporate Communications, 514-497-1385, 450-771-0400 or 1-800-463-7568