Olymel management recently announced the permanent closure of its further processing plant for pork products in Henryville, in Montérégie.

Olymel President and CEO Réjean Nadeau said that while closing an establishment is always difficult, the decision to close the plant was made after careful assessment. The costs associated with operating the plant would not have allowed the facility to remain profitable, he explained.

The decision will take effect on Nov. 12, in accordance with the provisions of the Quebec Act respecting labor standards, and results in the elimination of 29 jobs. The employees affected by this decision were all informed through a meeting and a personalized letter.

Nadeau said Olymel would like all employees to continue with the company. As such, they will be offered a relocation to Olymel establishments located nearby, in Montérégie.

The Henryville plant became Olymel property in January 2020 as part of the transaction for the acquisition of all assets of F. Ménard. The plant has been in operation since 2011. The plant site and buildings are currently undergoing an assessment, and Olymel will soon be making a decision on the future of the facilities.

Olymel is Canada 's leader in the production, processing and distribution of pork and poultry meats. Employing nearly 15,000 people, the company has production and processing facilities in Quebec, Ontario , Alberta , Saskatchewan and New Brunswick. Olymel exports almost a third of its total sales. Its annual turnover is in the order of 4.5 billion dollars. The company markets its products mainly under the brands Olymel, Lafleur, Flamingo, Pinty's, Tour Eiffel and F. Ménard.