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Volume 5, Issue 23
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Heinz closes its doors in Leamington By Bryan Jessop The end of an era spanning more than a century has come to an end in the Tomato Capital of Canada. Friday, June 27, 2014 marked one of the more somber days in Leamington’s history, as the H.J. Heinz facility officially closed its doors after 105 years of production. The factory is expected to open as early as July 14 under ownership of Highbury Canco, who will continue to create several of the same products as a Heinz co-packer. The change of ownership translates into an estimated 250 full time jobs from the 700-plus who were employed prior to the closure announcement in the autumn of last year. The plant’s final day of operation under the Heinz name was one of mixed emotions for those who continued to work until the end of production. While many were saddened to reach a day most never expected prior to November of 2013, others were simply relieved for a stressful final string of days and weeks to come to an end. “We just needed some closure from a 105-year era that’s come to an end,” said Heinz worker Jan Bering. “Now everyone can move on to the next chapter of their lives.” Bering, along with Shirley St. Louis, organized an outdoor gathering for fellow workers on the final day of employment. With a setup of tables near the factory’s Erie Street South entrance/exit, coffee, doughnuts and Timbits were donated by Tim Hortons while Lakeside Bakery designed and donated a large cake with words wishing workers the best of luck for their futures. “It’s really nice to have support like this offered by the community,” Bering said. Bering worked in the office at Heinz for 14 years before being relocated to the factory for the last eight months. “I’ve met so many nice, new people and made some great new friends,” Bering said. Bering will be among Heinz workers returning to the facility as a Highbury Canco employee. Although word has circulated that 250 will be back to work later this month, Bering noted that no finalized numbers have been officially declared by the new owners. Highbury Canco is expected to produce many of the same items that Heinz manufactured over the past several years. Bering credited plant manager Sam Diab as playing a crucial role in paving the way for Highbury Canco to take over operations and salvage what many expect to be about one third of the remaining jobs. The last day of work under Heinz ownership included bagpipers performing for workers as they walked out of the building for the last time as Heinz employees. One of the bagpipers was Mike Hicks, who had worked at Heinz for the past 10 years. The company’s Leamington location has almost always had a bagpiper amongst its ranks, who has as a custom performed for retiring employees on their final day of work. Hicks, the last to perform these duties, replaced (Continued on Page 3)
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Bagpipers play as a final shift of Heinz workers make their way through the Erie Street South entrance on the last day of production under the Heinz name Friday, June 27. (SUN Photo)
Family, friends and coworkers of Joanne Siddall (third from left) gather to congratulate her on retirement during the final day of production under the Heinz name Friday, June 27.
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