Saputo to close Australian facility, scales down two others

Dairy giant Saputo has announced plans to permanently close its Maffra, Victoria, facility and “streamline” activities at two further Australian sites.

While the two other plants – located in Leongatha, Victoria, and Mil-Lel, South Australia – will remain in operation, activities at both will be reduced. Around 75 personnel are expected to be affected by the changes across Saputo’s Australian footprint.

The company said in a statement: “Many of the impacted production and packaging functions at these three facilities will be absorbed or integrated into the company’s other Australian facilities, increasing capacity utilisation and reducing costs. Approximately 75 employees will be impacted, and where alternative roles are not available, these employees will be provided with severance and outplacement support.”

Earlier this year, Saputo revealed it would be closing a facility in California as part of plans to “optimise” its manufacturing operations.