Giannone Poultry closing plant it acquired in July

Giannone Poultry will close its poultry plant in Drummondville, Quebec, on November 6.

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(kolonko | Bigstock)
(kolonko | Bigstock)

Giannone Poultry will close its poultry plant in Drummondville, Quebec, on November 6.

The company notified employees at the plant of the planned closure during a meeting on October 30, as well as through a personal letter.

The Drummondville plant had only been part of Giannone’s operations since July, when it acquired the facility from Maple Leaf Foods. Maple Leaf acquired the plant and supply in 2018 with the purchase of select Cericola Farms assets.

At the time Giannone acquired the plant, it was estimated that the Drummonville facility could enable the company to increase its production volume by 40%.

In a press release, Giannone Poultry announced that it would now concentrate its activities at its St-Cuthbert plant in Lanaudière. The company also made all arrangements to honor existing supply contracts with the poultry farmers serving this facility.

"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," said Bruno Giannone, vice president and CEO of Giannone Poultry.

In accordance with the Quebec Labour Standards Act, severance pay will be paid to each employee at the Drummondville plant, and Giannone Poultry will also set up a reassignment committee in particular to offer jobs at its St-Cuthbert plant and to assist employees in their job search.

Founded in 1989, Giannone Poultry, also known as Volaille Giannone, is a family business specializing in poultry slaughtering and cutting. It is known for its production methods based on animal welfare, product quality, food safety, and respect for the environment. Giannone Poultry serves both the Quebec and Canadian markets as well as north-eastern United States. The company offers premium-quality products, from fresh and seasoned chicken to vacuum-sealed products.

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