BROWNSBURG, QC, April 29, 2014 /CNW/ - Orica Canada Inc., the largest provider of commercial explosives and blasting systems to the mining and infrastructure markets, today announces initiatives to optimize and consolidate manufacturing capacity at the Brownsburg manufacturing site. These initiatives are in keeping with Orica's operating strategy of focusing on the core competency of any given sites. They will highlight areas of excellence that exist at the Brownsburg site while maximizing the company's overall competitiveness in the context of fierce international competition.
Given the market conditions, the company will proceed with the progressive closure of the Components Department at the Brownsburg manufacturing site and the transfer of Non-electric manual assemblies to the Cuatrocienegas site in Mexico. This will result in the layoff of approximately 90 employees among operations and support staff at the Brownsburg site. These layoffs will occur in cycles until approximately the end of June, 2015, which will be in alignment with the shutdown of the Components Department. Layoffs will be managed according to the collective agreement and Quebec Legislation.
The Brownsburg manufacturing site will continue to be the company's global hub for the production of Electronic Blasting Systems (EBS), a highly differentiated product family that brings significant value for Orica. EBS is manufactured using state-of-the-art technology in which the company has invested more than $16M CAD in the past three years to develop a new range of product lines and improve efficiency.
"This change will allow the Brownsburg site to channel its focus on delivering more value for the EBS business in the future while optimizing our supply chain and our existing capacity. Further to this, we will continue to drive safe, productive and high-quality operations from our Non-electric auto assembly and shock-tube manufacturing areas on site. The initiatives announced today are part of our tireless efforts to achieve cost-effectiveness and attract new investments that in turn, will make this plant more competitive globally," said Leah Barlow, general manager of the Orica Brownsburg plant.
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Orica is the largest provider of commercial explosives and blasting systems to the mining and infrastructure markets and the global leader in the provision of ground support in mining and tunneling. We work together with our customers to improve the productivity and economic and environmental outcomes of individual mines through the application of advanced blasting solutions tailored to their specific needs and challenges. Operating globally, Orica has regional offices in Australia, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, North America and Latin America. Orica aims to be among the best performers internationally in safety and health and environment. As part of this commitment, we invest significantly in research and programs to support our vision of Sustainable Development—for our customers, for Orica and for the future.
SOURCE: NATIONAL Public Relations
Media Contact: Robert Lupien, NATIONAL Public Relations, T 514 843-2351
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