Maple Leaf Foods will not proceed with the construction of a primary pork processing facility in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, because it is refocusing on its value-added businesses.
“We sincerely regret that we cannot proceed with this investment,” said Michael McCain, president and CEO. “It is predicated on factors such as cost and changes in the global pork industry that have significantly impacted the profitability of our fresh meat business and require us to significantly redefine our strategy. Saskatchewan is an excellent place to do business and very important to our valued added processed meats strategy, which is core to our future growth. We will continue to make investments that will support our ongoing economic contribution to the Province.”
Maple Leaf Foods employs over 1,700 people in the Saskatchewan at its fresh and further processed meats and bakery operations in North Battleford and Saskatoon. The company will continue to invest in its operations in the province, but such investment will reflect the company’s new focus on processed meats, Maple Leaf said.
