Giannone Poultry to close poultry processing plant in Quebec

Canada-based Giannone Poultry has decided to close its poultry processing plant in Drummondville, Quebec, which was acquired last July.

The poultry processing facility is scheduled to close on 7 November and will be impacting 70 employees working at the facility.

Giannone Poultry vice-president and CEO Bruno Giannone said: “This difficult decision follows a thorough review of the condition of the plant’s facilities.

“The management of Giannone Poultry concluded that the investments required to modernize, renovate the infrastructure and update the equipment of this plant would be too large to ensure its long-term viability.

“We will do everything in our power to provide the necessary support to employees affected by this decision. The poultry farmers who supply this plant have also been informed of this news and the arrangements regarding their business relationship with our company.”

The company noted that all the employees working at the Drummondville plant have been informed about the facility through a personal letter.

According to the Quebec Labour Standards Act, Giannone Poultry has agreed to offer severance pay to all the affected employees.

The company also announced setting up a reassignment committee to offer jobs at its St-Cuthbert plant and assist employees in their job search.

Giannone Poultry added that it has made all arrangements with the poultry farmers serving this facility to honour existing supply contracts.

Upon completion of the facility closure, Giannone Poultry will focus on activities at its St-Cuthbert plant in Lanaudière.

Established in 1989, Giannone Poultry is a family-owned business that is engaged in poultry slaughtering and cutting.

Its product portfolio ranges from fresh and seasoned chicken to vacuum-sealed products.

Giannone Poultry distributes its products in Quebec and the northeastern US.

The company also has a workforce of more than 250 employees.

In July, Maple Leaf Foods completed the sale of its poultry plant in Drummondville and associated supply to Giannone Poultry in Quebec.