CLAIR, NB – After months of preparation, the Sunnymel plant in Clair in the Upper Madawaska, New Brunswick, which is jointly owned by Groupe Westco, the largest poultry producer in New Brunswick, and Olymel, a leader in the Canadian food processing industry, started production operations Nov. 30th. Operating under federal jurisdiction and under the supervision of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), the Sunnymel plant has received accreditation from this agency and is therefore authorized start production operations. The Sunnymel plant has a weekly slaughtering capacity of 450,000 chickens, and when it reaches full capacity in early 2013, will employ more than 200 workers. In recent months, employees have received training in various areas to help familiarize them with the new equipment and processes that make this plant one of the most modern in Canada. The plant's supplies will come primarily from Westco farms and other producers in the Maritimes. Construction of the plant began in the summer of 2011, and required an investment of more than $50 million. The plant will distribute its products in the Maritimes market and elsewhere in Canada.
About Westco
Groupe Westco inc. is a New Brunswick company with its head office in Saint-François-de-Madawaska. The result of a common vision for expansion by several poultry producers, the company has become a model of success and profitability. Westco owns its own hatcheries, breeding farms, and shipping companies, in addition to being one of the largest poultry production organizations in Canada. The company has a strong commitment to the community, sponsoring several social programs and contributing to fund-raising initiatives in its region.
About Olymel l.p.
Olymel l.p. is a Canadian leader in the slaughtering, processing and distribution of pork and poultry, with facilities in Quebec, Ontario and Alberta. The company employs more than 10,000 persons and exports nearly half its production, mainly to the United States, Japan and Australia, as well as some sixty other countries. Its sales were over $2 billion last year, with a slaughtering and processing capacity of 160,000 hogs and 1.7 million birds a week. The company markets its products mainly under the Olymel, Lafleur and Flamingo brands.
Source: Sunnymel (Olymel-Westco)