CANADA – Campbell Soup has closed down its manufacturing plant at Toronto with plans to move to Canadian Headquarters and its commercial operations to a new location in Greater Toronto Area.
The plans to consolidate its operations were in alignment to its earlier strategy on promoting cost-saving strategies.
The plant closure will affect 380 employees.
Campbell will also be relocating its Canadian headquarters to a new location in Greater Toronto Area.
According to the company, this move to negate operations at the facility was as a result of excess capacity aiming at improving operational efficiency of its North American thermal supply chain network.
Due to improvements in productivity and decline in canned soup volumes in North America, there was need for more space for the excess capacity, says Campbell.
The market will be integrated into the US manufacturing network.
The process of closing down its operations in Canada would occur in phases moving its operations to a three US plants, but the company maintains its long term plan to remain active in Canada.
“The decision to stop producing soup and broth in Canada was a difficult one. After a thorough review, we decided this was the best course of action for our business.
We are operating in an increasingly challenging environment as our industry’s consumer and retail landscapes continue to change dramatically.
This decision in no way reflects on the talent or dedication of our team at our Toronto facility, and we are committed to assisting them through this difficult transition,” said Mark Alexander, President, Americas Simple Meals and Beverages.
“Despite this decision, Canada is important to Campbell. We are remaining in Canada and will continue to make important contributions to
the food industry in this country,” said Ana Dominguez, President of Campbell Canada.
The relocation plan involves moving along with 200 roles and building a new Innovation centre that will continually serve the Canadian customers with their favorite soup and broth products.
Campbell’s portfolio in Canada includes Pepperidge Farm, Bolthouse Farms, Arnott’s, V8, Swanson, Pace, Prego, Plum, Royal Dansk, Kjeldsens, Garden Fresh Gourmet and Pacific Foods.
