Quebec Premier François Legault, Minister for Regional Economic Development Marie-Eve Proulx and Agropur President René Moreau were at Agropur’s Beauceville plant on February 8 to announce a $55 million investment. The plant will be equipped with state-of-the-art technology to increase its production capacity. The new automated and robotic systems will also make it possible to produce a wider range of products. Agropur Beauceville currently makes butter and cuts cheese for the Canadian market. It also makes milk powder for the Canadian and world markets.

The investment comes at a time when recently signed international trade agreements are placing the dairy industry under pressure. Upgrading the plant will increase Agropur’s competitiveness and enable it to expand its product line.

“This investment will support Agropur’s growth,” says Michael Aucoin, President, Canada Operations at Agropur. “It will help us expand our presence in the snack food and shredded cheese markets and position us as a partner of choice for private labels and foodservice solutions.”

Phase 1 of the project will cost $23.5 million and create 15 jobs. The Quebec government is contributing $11.1 million. There are also plans to refurbish the locker rooms, break room and cafeteria.