Olymel Launches $142M Expansion of Trois-Rivières Plant with AI and Sustainability Focus

Olymel has announced a $142 million expansion of its La Fernandière pork and poultry processing facility in Trois-Rivières, Quebec, marking a major investment in smart food manufacturing. Construction on the project begins immediately, with operations expected to start by spring 2026.

The significant upgrade will transform the plant into an integrated, multifunctional site capable of processing and packaging a broader range of pork and poultry products on-site. According to the company, the shift will allow Olymel to "reduce raw material transport, improve process alignment and increase production capacity."

The upgraded facility will include cutting-edge artificial intelligence-driven technologies to automate various production processes, including cooking, slicing, packaging, boxing, and palletizing. Olymel also plans to test new AI applications at this site before rolling them out across other operations.

Technological enhancements include:

• Industrial battery systems for energy storage
• Continuous cooking lines
• Autonomous slicing and packaging systems
• Driverless vehicles for internal logistics
• Flexible, eco-friendly packaging technologies

The company says these innovations will enhance consistency, boost flexibility, and reduce environmental impact.

Focus on Sustainability and Worker Safety

Olymel is also investing in sustainability and workplace safety, incorporating features such as:

• Ergonomic equipment to reduce physically intensive tasks
• Heat recovery systems
• Net-zero, water-based cooking methods
• Closed-circuit water systems for ham cooking
• On-site water treatment infrastructure, including a stormwater retention pond

These measures are intended to improve operational efficiency while reinforcing Olymel’s commitment to sustainable production and worker wellbeing.

Impact on Workforce and Facilities

The expansion will result in approximately 50 new direct jobs, increasing the facility’s total headcount to about 400 employees. Olymel also anticipates additional indirect employment related to the construction and operation of the upgraded plant.

To consolidate operations, Olymel will close two existing facilities in Anjou (140 workers) and Cap-de-la-Madeleine (150 workers) in spring 2026. However, the company emphasized that affected employees will be offered opportunities at other locations, including the new Trois-Rivières plant, located just 12 kilometers from Cap-de-la-Madeleine.

Local Collaboration and Economic Development

Construction is being led by Construction Bertrand Dionne of Drummondville, while Premier Tech of Rivière-du-Loup will supply the new palletizing and boxing systems. Olymel stated that most building materials will be sourced from within Quebec, further supporting the province’s economy.

By combining technological innovation, sustainability practices, and regional economic support, Olymel's Trois-Rivières project reflects a strategic move to modernize its production while staying rooted in local partnerships.

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Originally reported by Global Ag Media in The Poultry Site.