Brandon-based Maple Leaf operation to get new name, goals

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This article was published 10/07/2024 (800 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

BRANDON — Maple Leaf Foods’ plan to split into two public companies next year comes with a side of increased production at its Brandon plant.

The Brandon-based pork company’s incoming chief executive officer, Dennis Organ, told the Sun the new entity is set to bring significant benefits to the Westman region.

“Our Brandon facility, in its current state, is capable of increasing production by 15 to 20 per cent,” Organ said in an interview Tuesday. “We are actively working on this expansion and see numerous opportunities to enhance our capabilities further. Many processes we currently outsource could be brought in-house, allowing us to expand our operations significantly.”

Brandon is the focal point for the new pork company’s operations, Organ said and, as such, his team will continue to invest in the facility.

The Brandon operation currently has 2,200 employees. The expansion is expected to lead to new job opportunities, offering a range of positions from entry-level to skilled roles, he said, “thereby contributing significantly to the local job market and supporting economic development in Brandon.”

Under the agreement, the yet-to-be-named new company will continue to provide Maple Leaf Foods with a secure supply of high-quality, sustainable pork at market prices to meet the needs of its prepared foods business, Organ said.

“If Maple Leaf doesn’t utilize our product, it’s up to us then to find a way to sell our product,” he added. “Today, roughly a third of our sales are export, a third is transferred to Maple Leaf and a third is sold domestically, to retailers mostly. But absolutely, after we fill Maple Leaf’s needs, then it’s up to us to go find sales for this product.”

The completion of the current company split is expected to be completed in 2025.

“The new pork company will offer investors direct access to one of the world’s foremost, premium value-added pork producers with a clear vision to produce meat the right way, while delivering industry-leading financial performance,” Organ said.

“We are already setting the standard for best practices in sustainability, animal welfare and high-quality pork production. We have seen positive momentum in the business in recent quarters as pork markets continue to normalize following several years of material disruption.”

In an interview with the Sun, Maple Leaf Foods president Curtis Frank said plans for the company’s Winnipeg plant remain unchanged, particularly in expanding its pre-cooked bacon production.

“We have moved through the start-up phase of the new facility attached to Winnipeg and are now driving growth by onboarding new customers with significant demand in retail and food service channels,” he said. “Our significant investment in the Winnipeg facility is paying off and we are now in the process of taking advantage of filling our manufacturing plant with new customers.”

Frank said the pending transaction is the start of a new era to unlock the full potential of two outstanding businesses, each with a “distinct value proposition” and growth opportunities.

Brandon Mayor Jeff Fawcett lauded the Maple Leaf Foods decision announcement, describing it as a welcome development for the Wheat City.

“I met with the plant manager today, who assured me it is going to be business as usual for employees,” the mayor said. “The manager mentioned plans to bring in new equipment to upgrade the system. This move makes the new pork company very Manitoba, and it is exciting as it will provide many opportunities for expansion in Brandon.”

— Brandon Sun