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Olymel has announced a $142 million expansion of its La Fernandière plant in Trois-Rivières, Quebec, with construction set to begin in the coming days and operations expected to start in spring 2026.

The project will transform the sausage-focused plant into a fully integrated facility producing a broader range of pork and poultry products. The upgrade will enable on-site processing and packaging, aimed at reducing transport needs and increasing productivity.

The expansion includes automation and artificial intelligence technologies, such as autonomous vehicles and connected systems for slicing, packaging, boxing and palletizing. The company said it also plans to introduce new packaging technologies with a focus on flexibility and eco-friendly materials.

Yanick Gervais, CEO of Olymel, said: "We're very proud to announce this major expansion of our Trois-Rivières plant. It's a big step forward for Olymel. Having this state-of-the-art plant will create new possibilities for expansion and significantly improve our efficiency, which is central to our company's performance."

"The project is perfectly aligned with our strategy of capitalising on the creation of value-added products made with meat of superior quality that's produced by local farmers."

As part of its sustainability goals, the plant will include energy-saving measures such as heat recovery systems, closed-circuit water cooking, and on-site water treatment. Industrial batteries will help manage power usage during peak demand periods.

The project will create around 50 new jobs, bringing the site’s total workforce to 400, and support local suppliers, including Quebec-based contractors and equipment providers.

To consolidate operations, Olymel will permanently close its Anjou and Cap-de-la-Madeleine facilities –affecting approximately 290 employees – when the expanded site opens in 2026. The company said all affected staff will be offered positions at other locations, including the new facility.