ONTARIO – As part of its focus on its value-added business segment, Maple Leaf Foods officials announced plans to close its poultry plant in Ayr, Ontario, and consolidate those operations to its facilities in Brantford and Mississauga. The closure of the 42,000-sq.-ft. plant is scheduled to occur in May 2012, resulting in the elimination of 100 jobs. The company plans to invest about $6.5 million in the Brantford and Mississauga plants to accommodate the additional production. The additional production at the Mississauga facility will create approximately 75 new jobs.

In a press release, the company stated the company’s efforts to streamline operations will increase efficiencies and facilitate growth in its value-added poultry business.

"We deeply regret the impact on our people. We will treat them fairly and support them through this transition to secure new employment, either within Maple Leaf or in the broader economy," said Michael McCain, president and CEO.

"We have an immediate opportunity to increase efficiency and capacity utilization in our value-added poultry business, which this consolidation will achieve," he said.