The Groupe Alimentaire Nordique factory, a flagship of Sainte-Perpétue, fell victim to flames on Monday evening at 10:30 p.m. The front part of the production facility is completely destroyed.
According to the Sûreté du Québec and the operations manager, an explosion in a deep fryer was the likely cause of the fire.
Fortunately, the nine working employees had time to leave the factory.
Some even came back on Tuesday morning to do a little cleaning.
Any frozen food that may be saved will initially be sent to another warehouse.
Around 30,000 ready meals are produced in this factory every day. The company is considered the largest processor of seafood products in Quebec. A large portion of the market is currently in pause and considering possible paths forward.
Around sixty employees, mostly of foreign origin, are eagerly awaiting the action plan.
“We don't have all the answers, we will take the day to see what we will do, but what is certain is that we will take care of our foreign workers. “We are already meeting today to reassure everyone,” said Grace Amaral, human resources manager and administrative assistant at Groupe Alimentaire Nordique.
One thing is certain: Since the factory is the second largest business in the municipality, the mayor is hoping for a revival.
“There are other companies that have benefited from setting up this factory here. It is a commercial exchange between small and medium-sized companies, so we very much hope that it can resume its activities,” explained the mayor of Sainte-Perpétue, Guy Dupuis.
Part of the factory was recently completely renovated using state-of-the-art equipment, which unfortunately went up in smoke within a few hours.