Saputo pays US$118 million for two North Carolina food facilities

Saputo Inc. has acquired two food manufacturing facilities in North Carolina for US$118 million.

The Montreal-based dairy giant says Carolina Aseptic and Carolina Dairy will join Saputo's U.S. dairy division.

Carolina Aseptic makes shelf-stable food products and beverages in a facility in Troy, N.C., while Biscoe, N.C.-based Carolina Dairy makes refrigerated yogurt in spouted pouches. Together, the facilities employ about 230 workers.

READ: Saputo buying British cheesemaker Wensleydale Dairy Products

Lino Saputo, CEO and board chairman of Saputo, says the acquisitions complement the company's organic growth, while strengthening its presence in the rapidly growing aseptic beverage and food categories and nutritional snacks space.

Saputo is one of the world's largest dairy processors with major operations in Canada, Australia, Argentina, the United States and the United Kingdom.