ROUGEMONT, QC, Oct. 11, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - A. Lassonde Inc. has announced today major investments in its Rougemont plants. These projects, totalling up to $19 million, include the implementation of new production lines and the upgrade of existing facilities, which will create up to 24 new jobs, improve the Rougemont facilities' output and support their performance in a highly competitive market.
These projects will benefit from the financial support of the Government of Québec, through a non-repayable financial contribution of $1.85 million. This announcement was made today during a press conference attended by Mr. Nicolas Marceau, Minister of Finance and the Economy; Mr François Gendron, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food; and Ms. Marie Bouillé, Iberville MP.
"Lassonde operates in a rapidly developing North American market, where it stands out by leveraging quality and innovation in product development and production, said Jean Gattuso, President and COO of Lassonde Industries Inc. Our Rougemont plants are the company's very first facilities, and these investments will ensure that they remain on the cutting edge and maintain their key operational role."
These investments are also part of Lassonde's sustainable development strategy, in which packaging weight reduction is a core priority. The addition of two new preform production lines, which will be used to manufacture polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic bottles, will offer environmental benefits that can already be quantified. This project will enable Lassonde to make its PET plastic bottles and caps 16% lighter. In concrete terms, 1.2 million kilos will be trimmed from selective collection each year. A series of projects related to the production of PET bottles will result in a reduction of 2,400 trucks on the road.
Furthermore, the company plans to implement new production technologies and increase the size of its storage facilities, which is a growing need in light of its sustained production growth.
"Over the past 10 years, we have more than doubled our production operations and created hundreds of jobs in Rougemont concluded Mr. Gattuso. Firmly rooted in its community, Lassonde was able to grow thanks to the support of its clients and consumers especially those in Quebec and we thank them. It is a source of great pride for us to keep growing and creating jobs at home."
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About A. Lassonde Inc.
Founded in 1918 in Rougemont, the oldest subsidiary of Lassonde Industries Inc. is a Canadian leader in the development, manufacturing and marketing of fruit and vegetable juices and drinks, each boasting an innovative and distinctive character. A. Lassonde Inc. operates production and storage facilities in Québec, Ontario, Alberta and Nova Scotia.
A. Lassonde stands out through its vision, know-how, cutting-edge facilities, efficient packaging and quality products. Honoured with many high-profile awards throughout the years as part of the Canadian Grand Prix New Products Awards, the company also maintains, year after year, its HACCP certification, a world-renowned quality standard.
About Lassonde Industries Inc.
Lassonde Industries Inc. is a North American leader in the development, manufacture and sale of a wide range of fruit and vegetable juices and drinks marketed under brands such as Everfresh, Fairlee, Flavür, Fruité, Graves, Oasis and Rougemont.
Lassonde is also the second largest producer of store brand ready-to-drink fruit juices and drinks in the United States, as well as a major producer of cranberry juices, drinks and sauces.
Lassonde also develops, manufactures and markets specialty food products under brands such as Antico and Canton. The Company imports and markets selected wines from various countries and manufactures apple ciders and wine-based beverages.
The Company produces superior quality products through the efforts of some 2,000 people, including 800 in Québec, working in 14 plants across Canada and the United States. To learn more, visit www.lassonde.com.
Image with caption: "Mr. Nicolas Marceau, Minister of Finance and the Economy, Mr. Jean Gattuso, President and CEO of Lassonde Industries Inc., Mr. François Gendron, Deputy Premier, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, and Ms. Marie Bouillé, Iberville MP, during the announcement of the Government of Québec's financial support of A. Lassonde Inc. (CNW Group/Lassonde Industries Inc.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20131011_C9249_PHOTO_EN_31982.jpg
Image with caption: " Mr. Jean Gattuso, President and CEO of Lassonde Industries Inc., announcing major investments in its Rougemont plants. (CNW Group/Lassonde Industries Inc.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20131011_C9249_PHOTO_EN_31984.jpg
Image with caption: "New preform production lines installed in Rougemont by A. Lassonde Inc. (CNW Group/Lassonde Industries Inc.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20131011_C9249_PHOTO_EN_31986.jpg
SOURCE: Lassonde Industries Inc.
Stefano Bertolli
Vice-President, Communications
Lassonde Industries Inc.
450-469-4926, ext. 10265
Yvette Cakpo / Mélissa Lapierre-Grano
Massy Forget Langlois Public Relations
514 842-2455, ext. 22 / 31
Mobile: 514 835-8476 / 514 754-5521
[email protected] / [email protected]
About Lassonde Lassonde Industries Inc. is a leader in the food and beverage industry in North America. The Corporation develops, manufactures, and markets a wide range of private label and national brand products, including ready-to-drink beverages, fruit-based snacks as...
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