Ultima Foods investing $14.4 million in Quebec plant

Canadian yogurt maker Ultima Foods is investing $14.4 million to install a drinkable yogurt production line at its manufacturing plant in Granby, Que.

The company, which is co-owned by Agropur and Agrifoods, said the investment would create 35 to 40 jobs and allow it to increase weekly production from 2.7 million units to 4.8 million units.

"In the highly competitive yogurt market, innovation drives our growth," says Martin Parent, president of Ultima Foods, which makes and markets the Iögo and Olympic yogurt brands. "Not only do we have to serve consumers, who are always on the lookout for new products, but our facilities must also be extremely efficient to build our relations with our clients."

Ultima Foods is providing $10.8 million, while Investissement Québec is contributing a $3.6‑million interest-free loan. Headquartered in Saint-Hubert, Que., Ultima Foods employs around 660 staff, operates two factories (Granby and Delta, B.C.), and has three sales offices. According to a press release, Ultima Foods produces 30% of the yogurt consumed in Canada.