MONTREAL, July 21, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ - Bonduelle Canada confirms that the fire at its Ontario Tecumseh plant partly damaged the facility. Our canned vegetable production should progressively restart this week. We will have to carry out heavy work for an estimated period of at least 2 weeks before resuming production of frozen vegetable. Professionals are presently on site to determine the scope of the damages and the work needed.
Assessment
In addition to the dry warehouse buildings, the Pea, Beans, Corn, Carrot, Celery and Brussels sprouts receiving and preparation areas were not impacted. The refrigeration piping was damaged but the freezing tunnels were not harmed. This assessment is preliminary since some areas are not yet accessible.
Bonduelle is relieved that all employees present (75) were able to evacuate without injuries and the company would like to thank them for their calm during the evacuation process. The company would also like to acknowledge the exceptional work by firemen and policemen that managed the incident. Finally, Bonduelle wants to thank the local municipal authorities, especially the Mayor Gary McNamara for his support throughout the event and the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (Ontario), the Honourable Jeff Leal that has assured Bonduelle of any necessary assistance needed for the restart of the production in the earliest delay.
Employees were met Monday afternoon where they were given a status of the situation and answers to their questions.
Tecumseh Plant
The Tecumseh plant is located in Ontario, and produces nearly 35,000 metric tons of frozen goods and 29,000 metric tons of canned goods mostly for its customer Green Giant for whom Bonduelle is the exclusive supplier in Canada. The site also plays a large role in product packaging and shipping.
The plant has close to 200 employees on permanent contracts, and up to 250 seasonal employees. 110 farmers provide their goods to the plant, farming 7,000 hectares of farmland.
SOURCE: Bonduelle North America
Gilles Corriveau, Telephone: 514 982-0308, Cellular: 514 984-4184
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