The Bothwell Cheese factory in New Bothwell has resumed operations thanks to local farmers following a serious fire at the plant on the morning of Saturday, June 1. The fire resulted in no injuries.
Extensive damage was caused to an area of the facility that processes whey, a byproduct of the cheese-making process.
Although the cause of the fire remains under investigation, it was quickly determined that significant restoration work would be required for this section of the factory to reopen.
Cleanup and repair efforts began almost immediately, but the process is expected to take several weeks.
In the meantime, a temporary solution has been found to allow the plant to once again operate at near to full capacity.
The plan, developed in concert with the province’s environmental regulators, involves a group of local farmers who stepped up to provide an alternate solution for whey disposal. The factory is discarding the natural byproduct of its cheese-making process into the earthen manure storage pods of local farms, where it can be used as fertilizer.
Testing for a return to production began on Monday, June 24, with the plant going back into operation on Thursday, June 27.
“There is no doubt this has been a challenging time for our cooperative, our employees, our customers, and the Dairy Farmers of Manitoba, who rerouted milk to other facilities during the disruption,” says Suzanna Dalrymple, president and CEO of Gay Lea Foods, the Canadian cooperative that represents the New Bothwell-based company. “But thanks to the efforts of the Hanover Fire Department, our dedicated employees, and the support of the local community, our Bothwell team has been able to get back to doing what they do best—making exceptional cheese.”
According to a Bothwell Cheese representative, packaging was brought back online Monday, June 10 and the Factory Cheese Store reopened on Wednesday, June 12. Customer shipments and pickups are being handled through a separate warehouse and have been able to continue as normal using existing stock during the shutdown.
“Thanks to the swift and coordinated efforts of our team, the dedication of Bothwell Cheese employees, and the support of local community partners, we are thrilled to announce that production has resumed at Bothwell Cheese,” says Dalrymple. “One of Canada’s most beloved cheese brands is officially back in production.”
Many staff were able to contribute firsthand to the cleanup and phased reopening of the plant. All employees continued to receive their regular wages, whether or not they were able to return to work during the repairs.
