Kerry Group will invest CAD 17 million ($13.5 million) in its plant in Sainte-Claire, Québec.
The Irish company will install a new production line to meet the growing demand for aseptically packed beverages over the next few years. The investment will create 32 new jobs but will lead to 200 more being consolidated, as Kerry chases more efficient production.
Sainte-Claire is located 20 miles southeast of Québec City, and falls within the Bellechasse district of Québec’s national assembly.
André Amyot, vice-president of operations for liquid beverages for Kerry Group, said: “The Kerry Group has made a commitment to the Bellechasse business community to undertake major investment work following the arrival of natural gas. We are very pleased to realise this commitment and to take root even more in this beautiful dynamic region. The support of the government of Quebec is valuable and will allow us to move on to a new level of innovation.”
The investment was also welcomed by local politicians, including the member of the assembly for Bellechasse Dominique Vien, who is also responsible for labour.
“The government of Québec is pleased to support this strategic and structuring initiative for the economy of the region,” she said. “This major investment project will have considerable spin-offs in the [municipality] of Bellechasse, in particular by using local suppliers and creating quality jobs, which are essential to our economic and social strength.”
And Dominique Anglade, the Québec government’s minister of economy, science and innovation, said: “This announcement demonstrates our government’s commitment to creating an attractive and competitive business environment in all of our regions. The Kerry Group is one of Québec’s prosperous companies with strong growth potential and is proud to support it in the implementation of this promising project.”
Just a week ago, Anglade was celebrating a CAD 30 million ($23 million) investment from Coca-Cola in its plant in Lachine.
Meat processor Olymel has also announced expansion to its La Fernandiére plant in Trois-Riviéres – halfway between Québec and Montréal – this week.
Irish-based Kerry is present in 26 countries and has five plants in Canada, including two in Québec – one in Sainte-Claire, and another in Granby near Montréal.
© FoodBev Media Ltd 2024