Longueuil, Que. – Agropur Cooperative announced it is shutting its plant in Saint-Damase, in Quebec’s Montérégie region.
Major investments were needed at the plant, the company said in a news release. In view of the inability to reach a long-term agreement with the plant’s employees and the need to honour commitments to customers, Agropur decided to reorganize its investments.
Operations at the plant will be discontinued and it will close permanently in April 2019. Employees were informed on Sept. 21.
The plant, which employs 110 people, will wind down its operations between January and April 2019. Soft cheese manufacturing will be integrated into the operations of the Saint-Hyacinthe plant while cheese conversion will be transferred to the Beauceville plant.
“The Cooperative must take the necessary measures to remain a major player in an increasingly competitive market,” the company said. “These decisions are not taken lightly. Agropur is keenly aware of the impact of today’s announcement on the plant’s employees. The affected employees will be able to take advantage of available programs, including employment opportunities at other Agropur sites, severance packages, and the employee and family assistance program.”
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