Winchester Parmalat employees gave tours to the guests at the ultrafiltration system inauguration on Tues., June 13. From left, Brian Penney, Bertrand Chaypakting, Linda McMahon, Aruna Dilawri, Manoj Kumar, and Joe Bernard.      Sawyer Helmer photo

Kalynn Sawyer Helmer
Record Staff
WINCHESTER – On Tues., June 13, Parmalat Canada unveiled a new ultrafiltration system at the Winchester plant. The press release explains, “The installation of a new milk ultrafiltration system will be instrumental in increasing production capacity, among other benefits. Noted for its energy efficiency and frugal use of municipal water resources, the equipment boasts an energy recovery rate of 98 per cent. Furthermore, this investment marks the creation of five new jobs, bringing the plant’s total to 260 employees, and makes the facility the region’s largest private employer.”

The addition of the ultrafiltration system will “increase the plant’s milk-processing capacity and to produce more cheese, of uniform quality, per production vat. The new milk ultrafiltration system gives dairy producers vast potential for growth and value for their milk, notably by allowing them to sell more milk,” wrote Parmalat. The system will allow for milk to be processed as soon as it is delivered, meaning an improved quality to Parmalat’s products. “Quality cheese is made with quality milk, and quality milk is fresh milk,” said Jean Paul Quiblier, Senior Vice-president, Operations for Parmalat Canada.

Quiblier added that it is through the “support from the Dairy Farmers of Ontario (DFO) that the industry can look ahead with optimism.”

MPP Jim McDonell said, “When we have quality milk products from locals, produced into quality products, that looks to a bright future.”

Mayor Eric Duncan was proud to see the expansion in Winchester and said, “This shows the strength of our supply management and I’m proud to see the plant doing so well and growing.” Duncan added that agriculture is the backbone of the region and the new expansion was a win for everyone.

The happy day was tinged with melancholy as Linda McMahon announced her retirement from the plant after 41 years. “Linda has been a staple at the plant for years. She is an excellent representative for agriculture in the community and a wonderful asset,” said Duncan.

McMahon has no plans to abandon her community involvement anytime soon. If anything she will become even busier.

With a proud brand heritage dating back over 120 years, Parmalat Canada markets a wide variety of quality food products to help consumers lead balanced lifestyles.