Saputo closing Quebec milk processing plant

Saputo is closing a milk processing plant in Trois-Rivieres, Que., next summer, affecting 61 workers.

The company says the plant has outdated equipment and couldn't be brought up to the same level of its other 25 Canadian dairy processing plants.

Built in the early 20th century, the Cremerie Trois-Rivieres plant was acquired by Saputo in 1997.

Production will be transferred to other locations in the province following the plant's closure by the end of next August.

Employees will have an opportunity to apply for jobs elsewhere in Saputo's network if they have the qualifications and are willing to relocate. However, Saputo didn't know how many will remain employed with the company.

The company wouldn't say how much will be saved from the closure or the expected closing and severance costs.