Another blow to Quebec’s pork industry: Viandes Yamachiche is going out of business, meaning 74 workers will lose their jobs on November 17th.
“You don’t get up in the morning wanting to close a plant,” said Carl Robitaille, managing director of Viandes Robitaille. It’s a painful decision. This is not a decision linked to the performance of the factory, but a decision that is necessary today and the reasons for which lie mainly in the change in markets, especially exports. »
The factory on Chemin du Canton Sud specializes in cuts for the Japanese market.
Employees have been informed about the closure for two weeks. None of the people met by TVA Nouvelles wanted to comment on camera about their mass layoff statement.
Yamachiche Mayor Paul Carbonneau said he was surprised by the news. “I think it’s really sad. Graduation is never easy. My first thought is of course about the workers. Let’s say there are several things to expect in the pork sector these days.”
Trois-Rivières MP and Labor Minister Jean Boulet promises to support the workers. “There is a shortage of manpower, then we will form a committee to assist in the reclassification,” he assured.
Groupe Robitaille said it was already in talks with Olymel about relocating employees to its Yamachiche plant, which employs 1,045 people. Olymel clarified in writing that “from a workforce and operational perspective, Olymel/Yamachiche is able to fully serve the Japanese market with its Olymel and OlyRobi products.” OlyRobi employees from the former factory can rely on their experience apply for a position in the meat department at Olymel.”
The president of the UPA Mauricie Federation, a pork producer just a few kilometers from the factory, is still worried about this new crisis hitting the pork industry. “It’s definitely another blow to production. I just hope that the producers don’t have to pay the price,” said Martin Marcouiller sadly.
Groupe Robitaille and Olymel have not yet decided on the future of the building that housed Viande’s Robitaille.