Olymel to Expand and Modernize Trois-Rivières Facility
Olymel, a Canadian frontrunner in pork and poultry processing, has announced a significant investment to expand and modernize its La Fernandière facility in Trois-Rivières, Quebec. This ambitious project, backed by a C$142 million (approximately $104 million USD) investment, aims to broaden the plant’s capabilities, moving beyond the production of sausages to encompass a diverse range of pork and poultry products.
Innovative Upgrades for Enhanced Efficiency
The transformation of the Trois-Rivières facility will focus on creating a fully integrated, high-tech processing operation. This modernization initiative includes the installation of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and autonomous equipment. Additionally, a continuous cooking system will be implemented to enhance automation and optimize production workflows, ultimately streamlining operations and reducing transportation needs.
Project Timeline and Job Creation
Construction is scheduled to commence in June, with the revamped facility anticipated to be completed by Spring 2026. Upon completion, it is projected that the modernized site will generate 50 new jobs, increasing the workforce to a total of 400 employees. This expansion marks a significant milestone for the facility, which Olymel acquired in 2016 and subsequently expanded in the following year.
Commitment to Sustainability and Employee Well-being
Part of the investment includes initiatives aimed at promoting sustainability and enhancing employee well-being. Ergonomic upgrades within the facility are expected to minimize physical strain on workers. Furthermore, innovations such as closed-circuit water systems, heat recovery mechanisms, and eco-friendly packaging lines will contribute to reduced water and energy consumption. The implementation of a new on-site water treatment system and a stormwater retention pond will further support the company’s environmental objectives.
Strategic Closures and Workforce Relocation
In conjunction with this expansion, Olymel plans to close two other facilities in Quebec—Anjou and Cap-de-la-Madeleine—by 2026. The 290 employees affected by these closures will be offered positions at other sites within the company, including the newly modernized Trois-Rivières location, which is situated just seven miles from Cap-de-la-Madeleine.
Context of Recent Company Downsizing
This move comes in the wake of several downsizing efforts by Olymel in recent years. Earlier in 2024, the company laid off 100 workers at its Red Deer, Alberta plant. Additional previous announcements included the closure of sow operations in Alberta and Saskatchewan in 2023, impacting 80 jobs, alongside the shutdown of several pork processing plants that year, resulting in nearly 1,000 job losses.
A Vision for the Future
Despite these difficult cutbacks, Olymel continues to operate a robust network of facilities across Canada, including locations in Ontario, Alberta, Saskatchewan, New Brunswick, and its home province of Quebec. The latest expansion highlights the company’s commitment to transitioning toward more efficient, sustainable, and value-added operations, securing its position as a leader in the industry.
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