Oreo cookie maker to close Montreal factory

Mondelez International, the maker of the iconic Oreo and Chips Ahoy cookies as well as the producer of Cadbury confections, will be closing its Montreal plant.

The company, which used to be known as Kraft foods, told its employees Wednesday afternoon that the plant will close next year. The closing will affect 454 workers.

“It was a difficult decision, but it was also a necessary decision,” said Stephanie Cass, Mondelez Canada spokesperson.

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“Right now, our focus actually turns to our employees and doing what we can do to support them.”

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The plant is located on Viau Street just below Sherbrooke Street East across the street from Saputo Stadium and had one of the highest operating costs in North America.

“There isn’t any one reason why this plant is more expensive,” Cass said.

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“There’s multiple factors.”

The plant will continue to operate until the end of 2017.

“The closure is going to take place gradually over the next several months until the end of next year,” Cass said.

“This is difficult news for everybody.”