Perth South's Statement Regarding Maple Leaf Plant Closure

For Immediate Release

November 28, 2018                               

Perth South’s Statement Regarding Maple Leaf Plant Closure

The Township of Perth South is shocked and disappointed with Maple Leaf’s announcement that it will be closing its plant in Perth South. The Township learned of the closure on November 26, 2018 after receiving a letter from Maple Leaf Foods Senior Vice President Rory McAlpine.

The Perth South plant is one of three that are being closed and consolidated into a new large-scale poultry processing plant that the company is building in London. For 50 years the plant has operated in the Hamlet of Rannoch in Perth South and currently employs over 500 hourly and salaried employees.   

The Township’s first priority is the well-being of our families who are impacted by this announcement. The Township is currently working with provincial and federal governments to explore opportunities to assist families with this change.

Mayor Bob Wilhelm stated “It is important that Maple Leaf work together with Perth South and St. Marys to reduce the impact to both employees and the municipalities.” Mayor Wilhelm is looking forward to discussions with Maple Leaf in the coming weeks.

According to the letter received from Maple Leaf, the plant closure is expected to take place between late 2021 and mid-late 2022. The letter also states that current employees will be given priority for jobs at the London facility, and that the company plans to work with local governments to find new uses for the former plants.

Attachment: Letter from Maple Leaf Foods to Mayor Robert Wilhelm – “Creating a World Class Value-Added Fresh Poultry Network”

Contact

Rebecca Clothier | Administrator/Treasurer

519-271-0619 ext. 227 | rclothier@perthsouth.ca.