Maple Leaf Decision Could Take a Year
July 31, 2005

Maple Leaf Foods CEO Michael McCain told media this week that the company will take its time considering whether to move its Burlington pork processing plant. In a story published Thursday afternoon, Reuters news agency reported the following: "McCain said the company is also looking for ways to modernize a hog processing plant built more than 40 years ago in Burlington, Ontario. That could include building a new plant, but Maple Leaf will spend the next year evaluating possible sites and other options, McCain said."

The company reported a drop in revenue during the second quarter but an increase in profits. Maple Leaf's bakery division generated a significant profit increase but prices for pork fell and McCain said hog prices are entering a period of decline.

There has been speculation in Hamilton media that the company may build a new factory in the North Glanbrook Business Park, and that has sparked citizen opposition. A newly formed "Committee Against Pig Slaughterhouses" has called a public meeting for Tuesday, August 9, at Michelangelo's Banquet Hall at 1555 Upper Ottawa Street. The committee has invited Mayor Larry Di Ianni and city councillors to attend the meeting scheduled for 6 to 8 pm.

Residents of Trinity Church Road issued a flyer earlier this month raising a string of concerns about a possible Maple Leaf plant including odour, contamination of groundwater, traffic and property devaluation. It suggests the facility may include pig storage and "will attract similar undesirable industry".