Agropur Dairy Cooperative officially opens new head office proudly based in Quebec

LONGUEUIL, QC, June 22, 2016 /CNW Telbec/ - Agropur Dairy Cooperative officially opened yesterday its new head office complex in Longueuil, Quebec. The $100-million, near-90,000-square-metre facility keeps Agropur's decision-making centre in Quebec. Eventually, 800 employees will work at the smart, collaborative offices, which have been unobtrusively integrated into their natural setting. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by Longueuil Mayor Caroline St-Hilaire, Richard Merlini, Quebec MNA for La Prairie and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister responsible for Government Administration and Chair of the Conseil du Trésor who represented Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard, Jean-Claude Poissant Federal MP for La Prairie and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Agropur President Serge Riendeau and CEO Robert Coallier.

"We are proud to open our new head office here in Longueuil," said Serge Riendeau, President of Agropur. "It represents a major investment and long-term commitment to Quebec, in keeping with our members' vision of corporate sustainability. We have spent a total of $100 million on this project which includes our head office and a new laboratory; the head office complex also includes a distribution centre and Canada's largest dairy R&D centre. Agropur, now the world's 16^th largest dairy processor by milk volume, has equipped itself with a modern head office that reflects its cooperative values."

"With this move, Agropur Dairy Cooperative renews its commitment to Quebec and demonstrates that it is a driver of economic development," said Robert Coallier, CEO of Agropur. "Agropur now has annual sales of almost $6 billion. The new head office is part of our organization's transformation, which has included a string of recent mergers and acquisitions, major investments in our plants, a strong focus on R&D and improvements to our ways of doing things. Our new head office reflects our new stature and we are very proud of it. The businesses that will succeed in highly competitive global markets are those that are able to differentiate themselves through a culture of innovation. Having nearly 800 qualified employees working synergistically in high-tech facilities respectful of the environment is already having a visible impact on our organization's performance. We are also confident that our new head office will help us attract and retain the best talent."

Technologically advanced head office and respectful of the environment
The opening of the head office complex is the culmination of more than three years of planning and construction. The building's distinguishing features include a design that is integrated into nature and respectful of the environment. Head office employees will be in daily contact with nature just as Agropur members are. The discreet, low-rise building with abundant windows is below tree height. Five cranes were used during construction to limit the impact on vegetation at the site. The complex designed by the Quebec firm Le Groupe Architex has been granted Canada Green Building Council certification and is in the process of obtaining LEED certification.

The state-of-the-art building boasts all the latest technology: electronic booking of conference rooms, Skype phones, employee card-controlled printers. It was designed to make maximum use of natural light, with smart blinds and motion-activated lighting. The perimeter heating is hot water and a solar energy system has been installed on the south wall to heat the cafeteria.

With its 85% open-plan offices and a variety of collaborative spaces, Agropur's new head office provides employees with a stimulating work environment that supports a healthy lifestyle. The wooded environment and footpath create pleasant surroundings conducive to productive work. The underground parking contains electric charging stations. The complex also includes a gym and bicycle parking.

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About Agropur
Agropur Cooperative is a North American dairy industry leader founded in 1938. With sales of $5.9 billion in 2015, the Cooperative is a source of pride to its 3,367 members and 8,000 employees. Agropur processes more than 5.7 billion litres of milk per year at its 38 plants across North America and boasts an impressive roster of brands and products including Natrel, Québon, OKA, Farmers, Agropur Signature, Agropur Grand Cheddar, Island Farms, BiPro, and the Ultima Foods joint venture's iögo and Olympic brands.

SOURCE Agropur

Image with caption: "From left to right: Mr. Robert Coallier, CEO (Agropur), Mr. Serge Riendeau, president (Agropur), Ms. Caroline St-Hilaire, Longueuil Mayor, and Mr. Jean-Claude Poissant, Federal MP for La Prairie and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food (CNW Group/Agropur)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160622_C7147_PHOTO_EN_719618.jpg

Image with caption: "The cafeteria in Agropur's new head office (CNW Group/Agropur)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160622_C7147_PHOTO_EN_719620.jpg

For further information: Source: Véronique Boileau, Vice President, Communications, Agropur Cooperative, Phone: [phone]