Dairy coop Agropur expanding production in Bedford, N.S., scaling down work in Sussex, N.B.

A dairy coop is expanding some plants and closing others in the Maritimes.

Dairy cooperative Agropur is planning to expand its production in Bedford, N.S., and Miramichi, N.B., while also winding down operations in Truro, N.S., and Sussex, N.B.

Agropur, which is the largest dairy cooperative in Canada, said it is spending nearly $1 billion to update equipment with new technologies and automation at its Bedford and Beauceville, Que., plants.

Both projects are subject to final approval by the end of the year.

The company said the expansion in Bedford would create nearly 30 skilled jobs.

“Operations at the Sussex, New Brunswick, plant and the Truro Ingredients plant in Nova Scotia will be gradually scaled down and ultimately cease once dairy ingredient production in Bedford becomes fully operational, which is currently expected by the end of 2028,” says the company, in a news release. “While difficult, these decisions are aimed at ensuring the long‑term sustainability of Agropur’s operations in the region and strengthening its competitiveness.”

In a separate news release, the Nova Scotia government said Agropur employs more than 400 Nova Scotians at its Bedford and Truro sites.

“Nova Scotia is a great choice for Agropur’s expansion,” said Premier Tim Houston in the release. “Agropur’s strong commitments to market diversification and growth align with our government’s plan to grow our economy and support the success of our people.”

The Nova Scotia government says the Bedford facility’s expansion will lead to it becoming a major dairy ingredient processing site, and also include a new butter processing line.

In an e-mail to CTV News Atlantic, the company says the closure of the Sussex facility – which makes butter and powdered milk products – is expected to happen by the end of 2028, and will result in approximately 60 job losses. The company says a $20-million expansion at its Miramichi facility will create 15 skilled jobs.

Last February, the New Brunswick government announced funding of up to $2.4 million in a non-repayable contribution to modernize the Miramichi plant and expand its milk processing capacity.

“When companies decided to restructure, there’s no guarantee they’ll choose New Brunswick as part of the restructuring plans,” said Randall at an announcement of the provincial government’s goal to boost the economy by 10 per cent in four years. “We like to partner to be part of that growth.”

New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt said there are “going to be more jobs with Agropur at the end of the day,” at the same announcement on Thursday. When asked about an inconsistency in information coming from the company, Holt said she would follow up with reporters.

“Our understanding of their growth plans is that they were going to come out with a larger workforce at the end of this process than today,” said Holt.

CTV News Atlantic has also sent a request for further comment to Agropur.

“We can feel for the folks in Sussex who are hearing the news about the shift of that work,” said Holt. “And we’re grateful that Agropur has committed to supporting those employees if they choose to relocate to where the new opportunities are. So Agropur is growing in the Miramichi, and actually at the end of this they will have net more employment and activity in New Brunswick than they do today.”

In a statement, Unifor says it will work closely with affected members “to provide support, advocate for fair treatment, and ensure workers have access to the resources and assistance they need during this transition.”

“This facility has been an important part of the local economy, and its closure will be felt across the community,” says Unifor Atlantic Regional Director Jennifer Murray in a news release. “Our priority is making sure members have the support they need—whether that’s through job transition, retraining opportunities, or ensuring the strongest possible protections are in place as operations wind down.”