About two dozen workers will be laid off this week at the McCain Foods potato processing plant in Portage la Prairie, Man., because of what the company describes as unfavourable market conditions and a limited potato supply in the area.
Another 65 workers at the plant will be laid off Jan. 14, the company announced last week. The layoffs will coincide with the shutdown of the plant’s main line for the remainder of McCain Foods’ fiscal year.
The company will continue processing potatoes on its new and larger No. 2 line at the Portage facility. McCain Foods said it expects to process all quality potatoes available to it in Manitoba. The company also has a facility at Carberry, Man.
Portage la Prairie is among the areas of Manitoba where crops, including potatoes, had too much moisture during the growing season.
