Agropur to close ice cream facility in Lachute, Quebec

Canadian dairy cooperative Agropur has announced plans to close its ice cream and frozen novelties plant in Lachute, Quebec.

Agropur noted that the move is part of the company’s strategy to optimise its ice cream manufacturing operations. Production will be moved to its other facilities.

In 2017, Agropur acquired ice cream company Scotsburn, and the Lachute plant was part of the assets taken over.

After acquiring the manufacturing facility, Agropur decided to focus on its ice cream manufacturing operations at its two other Canadian facilities, located in Truro, Nova Scotia, and Edmonton, Alberta.

The company plans to shut its operations at the facility by August next year. The closure is expected to affect 177 employees working at the facility.

Agropur said that the affected employees can take advantage of available programmes, including employment opportunities at its other sites, severance packages and the employee and family assistance programme.

Last September, Agropur has announced plans to close its cheese plant located in Saint-Damase in Québec’s Montérégie region.

In a separate development, the dairy cooperative announced the appointment of Émile Cordeau as its new CEO.

Cordeau said: “I thank the Board for placing their trust in me and I am very proud to take up the reins of Agropur. I will pour all my energies into maintaining Agropur’s status as an industry leader in its markets.”

Beginning 15 October, Cordeau will assume the role from Robert Coallier, the current CEO of the company.

Coallier announced that he will retire from the company on 31 December.