“This closure was a difficult decision to make, and we will do everything we can to ease the impact on our people,” said Réal Ménard, president, Frozen Bakery division with Canada Bread, of the closure of the bakery that employs about 55 people. “[The closure] will allow us to improve the cost structure and competitiveness of our business, while continuing to deliver the same high standards of products and service.”
According to a company press release, affected employees will receive severance packages exceeding provincial labour requirements as well as personal counselling and ongoing outplacement services and workshops. In addition, the company will give all affected employees first consideration for employment at its bakery facilities in Quebec where 60 jobs will need to be filled for the summer production period.
Production of the facility’s crusty and specialty breads as well as rolls, will be consolidated at the company’s other frozen bakery facilities. While the company has no immediate plans for the bakery, it will keep the facility and consider it for other potential new business and development opportunities. Canada Bread’s regional sales office in Laval will remain open.
Canada Bread is 90 per cent owned by Maple Leaf Foods Inc. It manufactures and distributes fresh bakery products, frozen par-baked products as well as fresh pasta and sauces.
