TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 6, 2017--
SunOpta Inc. (Nasdaq:STKL) (TSX:SOY), a leading global company focused
on organic, non-genetically modified and specialty foods, announced
today that it is making a significant investment in its roasted snacks
operations at its facility in Crookston, MN. In conjunction with the
investment, customers and capabilities from its Wahpeton, ND roasting
facility will be consolidated into the Crookston location, and
operations at the Wahpeton location are anticipated to cease during the
second fiscal quarter of 2018. These investments further the Company’s
ongoing commitment to produce food products of the highest quality and
safety for its customers and are expected to provide significant
operational efficiencies as part of the Company’s ongoing portfolio
optimization strategy and Value Creation Plan.
“The investment in our roasted snacking capabilities reflects our
continued efforts to optimize our portfolio and focus on product lines
where the Company is effectively positioned to generate long-term
profitable returns,” said Dave Colo, CEO of SunOpta. “The investment in
the Crookston facility will expand our capabilities and allow us to
capitalize on the strong underlying consumer trends in healthy snacking
and further advance our quality and food safety initiatives.”
The Company expects to incur expenses relating to the Wahpeton facility
closure of approximately $2.0 million to $2.5 million related to asset
impairment charges and severance costs of which less than $1.0 million
is expected to be cash. These charges are expected to be recognized
during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017.
“I want to thank all of our employees associated with our Wahpeton, ND
facility for their hard work and dedication,” Colo said. “Each employee
has been instrumental in assisting SunOpta in delivering quality
products to our roasted snacks customers.”
About SunOpta Inc.
SunOpta Inc. is a leading global company focused on organic,
non-genetically modified (“non-GMO”) and specialty foods. SunOpta
specializes in the sourcing, processing and packaging of organic and
non-GMO food products, integrated from seed through packaged products;
with a focus on strategic vertically integrated business models.
SunOpta’s organic and non-GMO food operations revolve around value-added
grain, seed, fruit and vegetable based product offerings, supported by a
global sourcing and supply infrastructure.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements included in this press release may be considered
"forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian
securities legislation, which are based on information available to us
on the date of this release. These forward-looking statements include,
but are not limited to, the expected operational efficiencies from the
investment in the roasted snacks operations, the expected impact and the
anticipated timing to complete the exit from operations in Wahpeton, ND
and consolidate operations into Crookston, MN. Terms and phrases such as
"expect", "anticipate", "will", "continue", and other similar terms and
phrases are intended to identify these forward-looking statements.
Forward looking statements are based on information available to us on
the date of this release and are based on estimates and assumptions made
by the Company in light of its experience and its perception of
historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments
as well as other factors the Company believes are appropriate in the
circumstances. The Company makes no representation that reasonable
business people in possession of the same information would reach the
same conclusions. Whether actual timing and results will agree with
expectations and predications of the Company is subject to many risks
and uncertainties as described from time to time under "Risk Factors" in
the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K and its Quarterly Reports on
Form 10-Q (available at www.sec.gov).
Consequently, all forward-looking statements made herein are qualified
by these cautionary statements and there can be no assurance that the
actual results or developments anticipated by the Company will be
realized.
View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20171206005363/en/
Source: SunOpta Inc.
SunOpta Inc. Contact:
ICR
Scott Van Winkle, 617-956-6736
scott.vanwinkle@icrinc.com