Dairy products maker Saputo will close four of its facilities in Canada and the US, as part of efforts to improve its operational efficiency.
The move is a part of the company's review of its overall activities to pursue additional efficiencies and reduce costs, while strengthening its presence.
The company's facilities in Wetaskiwin and Glenwood in Canada, and those in New London and Hancock, Maryland in the US will be closed.
The first facility is expected to be closed in May, while the last closure will occur in December 2015, leaving around 180 jobs redundant.
Saputo plans to integrate the current production at its other locations. The closure-affected staff will be provided with outplacement support as well as possibility of relocating to the company's existing facilities.
The company expects costs associated with the closures to be approximately $19.8m, which will be recorded in the fourth quarter of 2014.
In addition, it plans to add about $35m in new fixed assets at its other facilities.
Saputo offers a range of dairy products, including cheese, fluid milk, extended shelf-life milk and cream products, cultured products and dairy ingredients.
Image: The closures are part of Saputo's review of its overall activities to pursue additional efficiencies. Photo: courtesy of Suat Eman / FreeDigitalPhotos.net.
