Whyte's Foods is getting ready to move into hiring mode in Wallaceburg.
The company, which is wrapping up the construction and preparation of a $16.5 million food processing facility in Wallaceburg, will be holding a two-day job fair starting on the Monday of the May long weekend.
Whyte's VP of Sales & Marketing Claude Brière said they are looking to fill around 20 full-time jobs by June-July 2019 and then another 20 positions in the fall.
"Experience is very important," said Brière. "We're not necessarily looking for 10 years experience, but we are looking for experienced people."
A wide range of positions will be available at the plant, including:
• Forklift operator • General labour • Machine operator • Industrial cook • Sanitation • Millwright • Clerical (office staff)
The first job fair will take place at 6800 Base Line in Wallaceburg from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on May 20 and 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. on May 21. There will also be the possibility of on-site interviews, so applicants are advised to bring a resumé along.
According to Brière, the first line of production is expected to start sometime in late July 2019 with the second line opening sometime in the fall of 2019 -- likely somewhere between September and November if there are no delays for delivery and installation of the necessary equipment.
The positions that are being advertised at the upcoming job fair are for full-time employment, but Brière said they expect to advertise openings for additional seasonal positions at a later date.
Company officials are also expected to tour the factory in Wallaceburg this week to see the progress of the building.
"We can't wait to have people joining us as we start this operation," said Brière. "This is an amazing time for us and hopefully for the community... we feel it every time we talk to the community, it's a very exciting time for us."
