Thirty Greater Sudbury employees will be out of a job in January 2011 with Agropur closes down production at the Copper Cliff dairy.
The company will continue its warehousing, distribution and sales operations in Sudbury. In a press release, the company cited a need to remain competitive as a factor in the decision to close the dairy.
"Closing the dairy processing activities in this plant is strictly a business decision," Serge Paquette, president of Agropur, said in a press release. "In order to remain competitive, Agropur must ensure that all of its operations are profitable and efficient."
Milk processing and packaging, such as seen here in 2004, will cease at the Copper Cliff dairy at the end of January. File photo.
Paquette noted "significant investment" in the dairy would be required to continue production, beyond the $1 million Agropur has invested in the past three years.
He said Agropur will work with its union in order to put in place a full support program for the employees affected by the closure. The company has provided more than five months notice, a severance package that "exceeds industry standards," and services to offer support and transition to new employment.
The company has also stated employees will be given priority over external applicants for positions at other processing facilities if they are open for relocation.
Agropur was founded in 1938 and produces Sealtest, Natrel, Yoplait, Québon, Oka, Island Farms, La Lacteo, Trega, and Schroeder milk products. It employs more than 5,000 employees between 26 plants and additional distribution centres and offices.
