La Coop Fédérée, an agri-food co-op with operations throughout Canada, has acquired a 50% stake in W-S Feed & Supplies, based in Tavistock, Ontario.
W-S Feed & Supplies, which operates two feed mills in Tavistock and nearby Mount Forest, will continue to manufacture foods for dairy cattle and the organic production of beef, pork and poultry.
“This investment represents a strategic entry into the Ontario market and into the animal nutrition industry,” said Ghislain Gervais, president of La Coop fédérée. “This association develops our portfolio of operations in the province and shows how important it is for us to provide farmers throughout the country with quality products and solutions for their animal feed.”
Sébastien Léveillé, the co-op’s executive agri-business vice-president, said: “W-S Feed & Supply has all the qualities that we look for in a business partner: shared values that put the needs of customers at the heart of operations, great quality products, strong presence in southern Ontario and steady growth in key livestock production markets.”
The companies have said that key management and sales teams will remain in place to ensure a smooth transition for current W-S Feed & Supplies customers.
Paul Wideman, president of W-S Feeds & Supplies, said: “During its 50 years of existence, W-S Feed & Supplies has thrived on its family-oriented legacy, ensuring that all of its operations have adhered to the highest quality standards and that management and sales teams remain dedicated to customer service and satisfaction every step of the way.
“Building on this solid foundation, the new partnership with La Coop Fédérée will bring new opportunities for our business and new knowledge and value to the Ontario farmers we serve.”
La Coop Fédérée represents more than 120,000 members, producers and consumers from some 70 co-ops across Canada. As well as being a wholesaler, it also provides agricultural producers with the goods and services. Its activities also include livestock and crop production and grain marketing.
