Sofina Foods to purchase Lilydale

The union has been informed that Sofina Foods is planning to purchase Lilydale, including the Lilydale operations in B.C. where UFCW Local 1518 represents workers.

The sale of Lilydale to Sofina will not be finalized until after a shareholder meeting to be held in April. The sale may close in April 2010 subject to Lilydale shareholder approval and various government regulatory board approvals.

Pending sale of Lilydale operations in B.C. include the Lilydale Turkey Plant (Abbotsford), Lilydale Hatchery (Aldergrove), and Lilydale Poultry Plant (Port Coquitlam).

“If there is new ownership, Sofina Foods is saying they are prepared to make significant investments in their current Lilydale operations,” said Ivan Limpright, President of UFCW 1518. “If the company follows through with what they have said, we hope to see facility improvements in B.C. Lilydale plants.”