Following the start-up of its recently converted state-of-the-art
goat cheese manufacturing facility in Reedsburg, Wisconsin, Saputo
Inc. (TSX: SAP) (Saputo, we or the Company) announces today the
permanent closure of its Lancaster, Wisconsin, facility. The
Company intends to transition production from its Lancaster
facility to Reedsburg, along with that of its facility in Belmont,
Wisconsin, the closure of which was previously announced. The
Lancaster and Belmont facilities are expected to close in the
fourth quarter of fiscal 2024.
“In line with our Global Strategic Plan, the
network optimization initiatives announced today will increase
operational efficiency and capacity utilization in our USA Sector,
while further improving our cost structure,” said Lino A. Saputo,
Chair of the Board, President and CEO. “The start-up of our
Reedsburg facility marks another milestone on our journey to
strengthen the competitiveness and the long-term performance of our
USA cheese network.”
Costs related to the Lancaster facility closure
will be approximately CDN$6 million after taxes, which include a
non-cash fixed assets write-down of approximately CDN$4 million
after taxes. These costs will start to be recorded in the third
quarter of fiscal 2024. Approximately 100 employees will be
impacted by the Lancaster facility closure. Impacted employees will
be offered the opportunity to relocate to other Saputo facilities
and, if no positions are available, they will be provided with
severance and outplacement support.
About SaputoSaputo, one of the
top ten dairy processors in the world, produces, markets, and
distributes a wide array of dairy products of the utmost quality,
including cheese, fluid milk, extended shelf-life milk and cream
products, cultured products, and dairy ingredients. Saputo is a
leading cheese manufacturer and fluid milk and cream processor in
Canada, a leading dairy processor in Australia and the top dairy
processor in Argentina. In the USA, Saputo ranks among the top
three cheese producers and is one of the top producers of extended
shelf-life and cultured dairy products. In the United Kingdom,
Saputo is the leading manufacturer of branded cheese and dairy
spreads. In addition to its dairy portfolio, Saputo produces,
markets, and distributes a range of dairy alternative cheeses and
beverages. Saputo products are sold in several countries under
market-leading brands, as well as private label brands. Saputo Inc.
is a publicly traded company and its shares are listed on the
Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol “SAP”. Follow Saputo’s
activities at Saputo.com or via Facebook, Instagram, and
LinkedIn.
CAUTION REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING
STATEMENTS
This news release contains statements which are
forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable
securities laws. These forward-looking statements include, among
others, statements with respect to consolidation and network
optimization initiatives, the anticipated costs, and the expected
timing related to these initiatives, the expected impact of such
initiatives on our activities and employees, as well as our
ambitions and strategic plans including our ability to achieve our
ambitions and goals, and statements other than historical facts.
The words “may”, “could”, “should”, “will”, “would”, “believe”,
“plan”, “anticipate”, “intend” or “expect”, or the negative of
these terms or variations of them, the use of conditional or future
tense or words and expressions of similar nature, are intended to
identify forward-looking statements. All statements other than
statements of historical fact included in this news release may
constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of
applicable securities laws.
By their nature, forward-looking statements are
subject to a number of inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual
results could differ materially from those stated, implied or
projected in such forward-looking statements. As a result, we
cannot guarantee that any forward-looking statements will
materialize, and we warn readers that these forward-looking
statements are not statements of historical fact or guarantees of
future performance in any way. Assumptions, expectations and
estimates made in the preparation of forward-looking statements and
risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ
materially from current expectations are discussed in our materials
filed with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities from time
to time, including the "Risks and Uncertainties" section of the
Management’s Discussion and Analysis dated June 8, 2023,
available on SEDAR+ under Saputo's profile at www.sedarplus.ca, and
also include the following: our ability to implement capital
investment, consolidation and network optimization initiatives as
planned, and our ability to achieve productivity and efficiency
gains resulting from such initiatives.
Forward-looking statements are based on
Management’s current estimates, expectations, and assumptions.
Management believes that these estimates, expectations, and
assumptions are reasonable as of the date hereof, and are
inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive,
and other uncertainties, and contingencies regarding future events,
and are accordingly subject to changes after such date.
Forward-looking statements are intended to provide shareholders
with information regarding Saputo, including our assessment of
future financial plans, and may not be appropriate for other
purposes. Undue importance should not be placed on forward-looking
statements, and the information contained in such forward-looking
statements should not be relied upon as of any other date.
Unless otherwise indicated by Saputo,
forward-looking statements in this news release describe our
estimates, expectations, and assumptions as of the date hereof,
and, accordingly, are subject to change after that date. Except as
required under applicable securities legislation, Saputo does not
undertake to update or revise forward-looking statements, whether
written or verbal, that may be made from time to time by itself or
on our behalf, whether as a result of new information, future
events, or otherwise. All forward-looking statements contained
herein are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.
Investor InquiriesNicholas
EstrelaDirector, Investor Relations1-514-328-3117
Media Inquiries1-514-328-3141 /
1-866-648-5902media@saputo.com
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