Cookie maker invests $7 million in research centre

Group Biscuits Leclerc announced the construction of a $7 million innovation, research and development centre in the Francois Leclerc Industral Park in St.-Augustin-de-Desmaures, Que., set to open in the fall.

The 32,000-sq.-ft. facility will house specialists in nutrition and research and will be dedicated to the creation of healthy nutritious snacks that will prevent certain chronic diseases.

“We are now working on the development of products which will not only prevent diseases but also heal them,” said Jean-Robert Leclerc, president of the board of directors at Leclerc.

The centre is focused on encouraging health and well-being for its staff, and features a squash court, strength training facility and large gymnasium.

Founded in 1905, Group Biscuits Leclerc has more than 650 employees working in its five plants; its products are exported to more than 20 countries.