MONTREAL – Dairy processor Saputo Inc. plans to close a US plant and streamline operations at two in Australia. The US plant is the Bardsley St. facility in Tulare, Calif., and it will cease operations in fiscal 2023.
In Australia, the company plans to reduce operations at plants in Cobram and Maffra.
Saputo also said it will invest approximately C$169 million ($133 million) to expand cheese manufacturing plants in California and Wisconsin to support its growth in the retail market. The company operates 67 plants globally and employs approximately 18,000.
“Staying true to our disciplined approach and commitment to shareholder value creation, we are executing our global strategic plan with intention and precision,” said Lino A. Saputo, president and chief executive officer. “Today’s announcement is the first in a series of investments and consolidation activities that will increase efficiency and productivity, improving our ability to meet the evolving needs of our customers and consumers.”