Operations, however, are expected to resume as early as this fall, when mature cattle numbers are expected to be more abundant. The local shutdowns were announced several hours after XL Foods announced it was also closing XL Four Star Beef in Nampa, Idaho within 60 days, which will affect more than 500 workers.
This marks the second time in two years cattle supplies have forced XL Foods to lay off its workers, the Toronto Sun relayed.
"We regret we have had to take such extreme action, but the significant changes in the supply of mature cattle and the global competitive landscape have not allowed the facilities to operate at or near capacity," said Brian Nilsson, co-CEO, in a statement.