Saputo closing Vermont cheese plant

October 22, 2008 – MONTREAL – Saputo Inc.  is permanently closing a
cheese plant in Hinesburg, Va., which was damaged by a fire Sept. 29.

October 22, 2008 – MONTREAL – Saputo Inc.  is permanently closing a cheese plant in Hinesburg, Va., which was damaged by a fire Sept. 29.

The Montreal-headquartered company said Wednesday that 80 permanent
employees will be affected, though some may be transferred elsewhere in
the U.S. dairy products division.

The Hinesburg plant's production had already been shifted to other Saputo sites after the fire.

Costs connected with the closure are estimated at US$5.4 million after taxes, including a $4.4-million asset writedown.

Annual savings are expected to amount to US$2.2 million starting in 2010.