If you buy milk in the Maritimes, your next carton will soon come from a newly upgraded facility. Agropur is investing $20 million into its Miramichi plant to create a centre of excellence for fluid milk production. The provincial government is backing the project with a $2.4 million contribution.

While the expansion brings new jobs and increased capacity to northern New Brunswick, it comes at a cost to the southern part of the province. The company plans to close its Dairytown site near Sussex by the end of 2028.

Miramichi Becomes a Centre of Excellence

The Miramichi facility operates every day of the year. To handle the growing milk supply, Agropur is building an additional room to house a faster and more efficient filling machine. This upgrade doubles the plant’s capacity.

According to CTV News Atlantic, Agropur Fresh Products president Claudia Joanis says the investment secures the company’s presence in the Maritimes. She notes the project supports the longevity of dairy farmers in the region.

The expansion requires 15 new hires. This brings the total staff count at the Miramichi plant to 115. Plant director Éric Larrivée says the community welcomes the investment. He notes the upgrades are important for the local economy and will not create additional noise for nearby residents.

Sussex Facility Faces Closure

The news brings a heavy blow to the Sussex area. Agropur will close its Dairytown site by the end of 2028. This closure results in 60 job losses.

Joanis says the company is currently in discussions with the union. The Dairytown plant will continue normal operations for the next two years while Agropur plans its labor strategy. It remains unclear how many Sussex employees will transition to the new roles in Miramichi.

What This Means for Local Dairy

New Brunswick dairy farmers welcome the added processing capacity.

“As of now we do not have enough processing in New Brunswick,” says Dairy Farmers of New Brunswick chair Wietze Dykstra. “To have added processing is excellence for us.”

Dykstra acknowledges the disappointment surrounding the Sussex closure. However, he views the overall investment as a positive step for Maritime dairy farmers because it ensures local milk stays in the region.

Agropur expects to complete the Miramichi upgrades in 2027. The company will then shift its Bedford facility in Nova Scotia to focus entirely on value added protein products.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Agropur building in Miramichi?

Agropur is investing $20 million to upgrade its Miramichi plant. The project includes a new room with a faster filling machine to double the facility’s milk processing capacity.

When will the Sussex Agropur plant close?

The company plans to close the Dairytown site near Sussex by the end of 2028.

How many jobs are affected by these changes?

The Sussex closure results in 60 job losses. The Miramichi expansion creates 15 new jobs.

When will the Miramichi upgrades be finished?

Agropur expects to complete the upgrades by 2027.