Alberta’s largest hog slaughtering plant is continuing its expansion
plans to become more efficient, said Paul Bauchamp, Olymel’s
vice-president for procurement and corporate affairs.
When the Quebec-based company bought Premium Brand’s plant in Red Deer
last March, its slaughter capacity was 27,000 to 28,000 hogs per week.
It has now reached its goal of killing 41,000 to 42,000 hogs per week.
Last June, Olymel started a $22 million project to improve the plant’s
cutting room. Now it has received a permit from the City of Red Deer to
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proceed with an expansion of the freezer space and livestock holding
area. About 300 jobs will be added when expansion is complete.
“We will not stop at 42,000 hogs, but I can’t announce what we will
make the next step,” said Bauchamp.
Olymel is the largest fresh pork exporter and the second largest hog
processor in Canada.
Bauchamp said the company believes in the viability of the hog
industry despite current low hog prices.
“Unfortunately it’s not a good part of the cycle. In the long run, we
think we’re going to have a good time, but now is not a good period.”
