MONTREAL – Canadian dairy manufacturer Saputo Inc. revealed while reviewing its 2024 fiscal results that it plans to close six facilities in the United States.
The company said its priorities in the US sector include transforming its cheese network, as well as closing facilities in Lancaster, Wis., Green Bay, Wis., Tulare, Calif., and South Gate, Calif. Saputo said its plants in Big Stone, SD, and Belmont, Wis., already closed.
Part of the dairy company’s plan in the US also includes the continued ramp up of its automated cut-and-wrap facility in Franklin, Wis.
Saputo’s financial report noted its US sector priorities include strengthening its innovation pipeline, developing new products, continuing to grow brands and expanding volume “with key customers.”
Lino A. Saputo, chair of the board, president and chief executive officer, said the company delivered a “solid performance” in the fourth quarter of 2024, despite a “negative $61 million impact from USA market factors and $15 million of duplicate operational costs” in its US sector.
In fiscal 2024, the company reported $4.545 billion in revenues, up $77 million or 1.7%.
“Looking ahead to fiscal 2025, we can’t help but be optimistic,” Lino A. Saputo added. “Dairy commodities, while still volatile, are improving, and we are executing on our global strategic plan. We have already started to see the benefits in our results from our major capital projects, and we expect for them to increase through FY25 and accelerate in FY26”.