By Amanda Brodhagen, Farms.com
There is a sign that good news is to come for the 105-year-old Heinz facility in Leamington, Ontario.
On Thursday, Highbury Canco Corporation provided a letter of intent to buy the Heinz facility, but a signed agreement is still in the works. The deal is subject to certain terms and conditions.
Heinz’s news release did not disclose how much the deal is worth.
Under the proposed terms outlined in the letter of intent, Highbury Canco would continue to manufacture certain Heinz products including tomato juice.
Leamington Mayor John Paterson says he is “cautiously optimistic” that a deal will be reached between the two parties. Paterson also gave high praise to the province, adding that it has been heavily involved in the negotiation process.
The company says it plans to employ about 40 per cent of the plant’s previous workforce, approximately 250 full-time workers, and some seasonal staff.
In November 2013, Heinz announced it would be closing the Leamington plant in June 2014, meaning 800 full time jobs would be lost.