Lactalis Canada to convert Sudbury, Ont., plant to plant-based facility

Toronto – Lactalis Canada will convert its existing Sudbury, Ont., plant into a modern, dedicated plant-based production facility over the coming months.

The expansion in this category will grow the company’s plant-based products, which currently includes Sensational Soy, Lactantia margarine and siggi’s coconut-based yogourt alternative.

“While our core business is dairy, as an innovation leader and as demonstrated by our forthcoming expansion into plant-based, we are constantly following the consumer and continually seeking opportunities to innovate and respond to the market,” said Mark Taylor, president and CEO of Lactalis Canada.

This announcement follows Lactalis Canada’s decision to cease milk processing and packaging at the plant effective Sept. 30, 2022. Long-term volume decline and increased costs in the fluid milk market in Ontario that have led to decreased profitability and economic sustainability of Lactalis Canada’s fluid operations in Sudbury, the company said in a news release.

The company will continue to operate its refrigerated warehouse in Sudbury and will retain the majority of its workforce during the transition period and for its new production facility with anticipated additional employment opportunities with future growth.

“We assure all consumers and customers that there will be no disruption to product supply or service as milk processing from Sudbury will transfer to Lactalis Canada’s other fluid plants in Ontario and Quebec,” Taylor said.