Saputo to stay in Glenwood

Google Street View of Glenwood Saputo plant

Toni Lucas

At a meeting on March 26 of this year employees of Saputo Foods in the Village of Glenwood were informed that the facility, which employs 25 people and produces dried milk, would be closing a the end of 2015. In addition to the effect that closure would have on the employees, it was also expected to have a huge economic impact on the Village of Glenwood itself, as Saputo is by far the largest employer in the village.

That's all changed now.

From a November 6, 2014 Saputo press release: "During the second quarter, the Company reconsidered the previously announced closure of the Glenwood (Alberta) facility that had been planned for December 2015. The facility will continue its activities."


"Saputo evaluated their operations and made a decision to keep the Glenwood plant open," explained Mayor of Glenwood Jordon Koch. "It's been our golden egg, it's always been there." Before it was Saputo, it was Armstrong, and before that it was an independent factory.  For many years, Glenwood has produced milk or cheese products.  "I found out, last week I believe, that they wouldn't be shutting down."

Koch admits that the news in the springtime was a blow. "That factory accounts for 80% of our Village income, so it was going to be a large hit. That would mean tax increases, possibly a reduction on future planning as well." Koch said that the plant currently employs people from Cowley to Lethbridge and all points in between. "The plant will stay with its current mandate, is what we've been told, and they've added on 'for many years to come'. That is great news."

"I need to acknowledge all the groups who did come together at the table. It was a humbling experience, because it makes you realize you are not alone in this. There were a lot of groups that gave of their time and effort to help us out with this."  Koch said that Senior Development Officer at Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development (AARD) Norm Janssen, the Village of Glenwood and the Glenwood Economic Development Board, and Alberta Southwest (ABSW) all have been active in communications with members of Saputo.

"I need to acknowledge Suputo as well," Koch said that he, visited Saputo headquarters in April of this year with Bob Dyrdra of ABSW and AARD's Norm Janssen. "They graciously gave to us of their time. Our message there wasn't 'You're a big corporation, you are bad, look at what you are doing to our town'.  We thanked them, actually, for all the time and investment that they have spent, and we asked if they would help us with a transition." One example would be if they came up with a buyer and the buyer needed equipment, could Saputo leave them equipment. "They agreed to help us and they honoured their end of the bargain all the way up until they changed their mind on the issue." The change to keep the plant running is very good news to Koch. "We hope to maintain that relationship, as a good one," he said.  Koch mentioned that all those involved are not just going to rest on their laurels, but will continue to look for more economic development. Glenwood has both space and a good supply of water. Koch strongly believes that makes building towards the future eminently possible for the village.

(updated November 8, 2015 with new information)