RED DEER, Alta. — Olymel has temporarily closed its hog-slaughtering, cutting and de-boning plant in Red Deer, Alta.
Despite the testing protocols and sanitary measures already in place, as well as the close collaboration of Alberta Health Services to deal with a resurgence of positive cases of COVID-19 among plant employees, the company says the conditions no longer allow it to continue normal operations in a safe and efficient manner.
After notifying the union, Olymel management drew up an orderly temporary-closing plan for an indefinite period. Over the next few days, plant management will mobilize the staff necessary to cease operations and complete the facility closure as soon as possible. The sanitary measures will continue to be in effect at the plant during the shutdown and Olymel management will be in contact with officials at Alberta Health Services to continue working closely with the organization.
Olymel management has also informed all hog suppliers of the Red Deer plant of the situation and has suspended all pending deliveries until further notice.
