Agropur Cooperative - Agropur Cooperative announces the consolidation of its activities following the merger with Farmers Cooperative Dairy Limited

LONGUEUIL, QC, June 21, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - Agropur Cooperative announces the consolidation of its activities after the merger with Farmers Dairy. The new organisation has completed its analysis of all of its activities, including the administration and plant operations.  As a result, Agropur confirms that it maintains over 450 jobs in Atlantic Canada and will continue the operation of the three plants previously operated by Farmers Dairy.

In order to remain competitive in the increasingly complex Canadian milk industry market, it is decided that its Truro plant, in Nova Scotia, would specialize in powder/butter, and that the cheese cutting and cheese production/operations will end over the next two months. As a result, Agropur will be eliminating 45 positions in Atlantic Canada over the course of the next six months, including the ones published last week.

"Employees were informed of the decision. As per our commitment at the time of the merger, we are maintaining our production facilities and securing the milk processed by our members in the Atlantic Provinces and we remain committed to our 10 M$ investment program in the region," concluded Robert Coallier.

About Agropur
Founded in 1938, Agropur is an important player in the North American dairy industry. With sales of $3.8 billion, the Cooperative is a source of pride for its 3,404 dairy producer owners in Québec, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador, and 6,000 employees. Agropur processes more than 3.3 billion litres of milk per year in its 28 plants across Canada and the United States, and boasts an impressive line of products that includes such prestigious brands as Natrel, Québon, OKA, Farmers, Central Dairies, Sealtest, Island Farms, Agropur Grand Cheddar and iögo. Visit www.agropur.com

SOURCE: Agropur

Marc Labelle
Director, Public Relations and Communications
Agropur Cooperative
Telephone: [phone]