Olymel adding 200 jobs with expansion of Quebec hog slaughterhouse

Olymel is investing more than $25 million to expand its hog slaughterhouse and processing facility north of Montreal.

The project will increase the operation's capacity by a third to 40,000 hogs per week.

Up to 200 jobs will be added to the 810 workers at the St-Esprit facility.

Olymel CEO Rejean Nadeau said the 3,250 square metre expansion will allow the meat processing company to better meet customer demand across Canada and exports especially to China.

READ: Olymel inspired by taste of Italy

In conjunction with the project, employees represented by the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1991-P agreed to extend their collective agreement for another seven years beyond its expiry on May 31, 2018.

The St-Esprit plant produces various cuts of pork, seasoned pork products and vacuum-packed products. The expansion will add a refrigeration room to produce chilled pork.

Olymel also has operations in Ontario, Alberta, New Brunswick and Saskatchewan.