The Bel Group, France, announced plans to build its first Canada plant in Sorel-Tracy, Quebec, with commercial production scheduled to begin in early 2020. The facility will be fully dedicated to producing Mini Babybel cheese.

The $87 million project will create 170 skilled jobs spread between the Sorel-Tracy plant and Bel Canada's Montreal head office.

"Bel has been marketing its products in Canada since 1957, and we know the local dairy sector's expertise. With this new plant, we are becoming a full-fledged Quebec dairy processor," says Catherine Thomas, president.

Bel Canada's plant will be built on the site adjacent to Laiterie Chalifoux.