Olymel Closing Pork Processing Plants

Closures are part of a reorganization that began in 2021 and will eliminate 170 jobs.

Powder Bulk Solids Staff

February 2, 2023

2 Min Read
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Image courtesy of Pixabay (representative image)

Olymel is closing two of its Blainville and Laval, Quebec pork processing plants as part of a reorganization that began in 2021 and is aimed at optimizing operations.

The closures will result in the loss of 170 jobs in total. The United Food and Commercial Workers union (UFCW 1991P) representing the workers at the Blainville plant, as well as all employees at both facilities, were given 12 weeks’ notice of termination in accordance with the provisions of Quebec’s Act respecting labor standards. The date of cessation of operations has been set for April 28, 2023. The company will offer opportunities to relocate to other Olymel facilities; a plan to that effect will be presented in the coming weeks. An outplacement committee will also be set up to assist employees who wish to change careers.

“The decision to close our two processing plants in Blainville and Laval is part of the reorganization that began more than a year ago and is due to the ability of other facilities to produce the same products and therefore achieve savings and efficiencies," said Yanick Gervais, president and CEO of Olymel. "I know that this is a difficult decision for the affected employees, but I want to reiterate our firm commitment to relocate any who wish to do so inour other Olymel facilities. I believe that today's announcement should enable us to achieve our operational optimization objectives more rapidly in the context of an unfavorable economic conditions, with rising raw material costs, labor shortages, and the weakness of certain markets all affecting the company’s profitability.” 

The Blainville and Laval plants specializ in the production of hams, pâtés, and deli meats marketed under various brand names, including La Tour Eiffel and Nostrano. Most of these brands will be maintained and production volumes will be handled by other Olymel facilities, mainly in the pork further processing plants. The fate of the buildings housing the two facilities will be assessed at a later date, before the final closure.

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Powder Bulk Solids Staff

Established in 1983, Powder & Bulk Solids (PBS) serves industries that process, handle, and package dry particulate matter, including the food, chemical, and pharmaceutical markets.

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