Olymel to expand pork processing plant in Canada with $25m investment

Canadian meats producer Olymel is to expand its hog slaughterhouse and butchering facility at St-Esprit in the Lanaudière region with an investment of more than $25m.

Once the expansion is complete, it is expected to create 200 jobs.

Currently, there are around 800 employees at the existing facility.

The expansion will see addition of 35,000ft² of space, increasing the facility area to 215,000ft².

The project will include a refrigeration room and reorganisation of production tables in order to increase the production volume of value added products.

Once the facility has been expanded, it will have weekly production capabilities of up to 40,000 hogs.

Olymel president and CEO Réjean Nadeau said: "This development project at our St-Esprit facility represents a major investment in the hog slaughtering and butchering sectors, and will benefit the entire pork industry in Quebec.

"Once completed, it will increase our production capabilities significantly and enhance our product offering, in addition to creating new jobs. It will also enable us to better meet the demands of our customers across Canada, as well as worldwide."

The plant produces various cuts of pork, seasoned varieties and vacuum-packed products.

Olymel generates its revenue through exports mainly to the US, Japan and Australia, and more than 65 other countries. Its annual sales are around $3bn.