Parmalat closes cheese factory in Quebec

Parmalat Canada is closing its cheese factory in Marieville, Que., and transferring the work of its 92 employees to the company plant Victoriaville.

"To meet changing market requirements, we will be consolidating our cheese manufacturing operations,'' Jean-Paul Quiblier, vice-president of operations at Parmalat Canada, said in a statement Thursday.

"This decision will allow us to improve and standardize our processes. A new production line for mozzarella will be installed in our Victoriaville manufacturing facility which, following significant investments, will become Parmalat's sole cheese production facility in the province of Quebec.''

The dairy processor says the plant in Marieville will cease operations Sept 30.

The company said the decision will allow it to keep the existing 410 jobs in Victoriaville and create 15 new ones, with the Marieville employees getting first crack at them.

The company added that several of its Marieville employees are eligible for retirement and some could be eligible for early retirement.

Parmalat Canada, a subsidiary of Parmalat S.p.A of Italy, employs some 2,900 people at 17 plants across Canada producing milk, dairy products and ingredients, fruit juices, cultured products and table spreads.