Whyte’s Food Inc. closes Laval plant

LAVAL — Whyte’s Foods has announced the decision to shut down its plant in Sainte-Rose, Laval, a decision which will be realized by the end of 2022.

The company says this decision comes as a result of persistent labour shortages which have had a negative impact on the facility’s ability to meet minimum production thresholds.

Over the next few weeks, the company will move its production and equipment to other plants in Quebec and Ontario. Although the closure of the Sainte-Rose plant will result in the relocation of certain employees and equipment, the head office will remain in Quebec. However, the company will relocate it to the distribution centre in Sainte-Thérèse.

The Canadian prepared foods manufacturer says it will make every effort to relocate as many workers as possible to other facilities in Quebec. The company says it has dedicated resources to help rehire those for whom relocation will not be an option and provide emotional support to those who require it as a result of employment loss.

“Employees have always been at the heart of our operations, and it was important to us to provide them with the proper support during this challenging transition,” said Claude Briere, SVP of sales & marketing in a company statement.

Whyte’s Foods also explained that this difficult decision was deemed necessary in the interest of preserving the company’s future.