Former Spitz plant purchased by mustard company

Jason Gould, president of G.S. Dunn, says the location of the plant and its proximity to local growers was one of the main factors in the decision to purchase the plant.

“The eastern part of Alberta and the western part of Saskatchewan is some of the finest growing areas for mustard,” he said. “That was an area over time where we felt we needed a more direct presence than just being based in Hamilton.”

The plant, which produced Spitz Sunflower Seeds, closed down last year after PepsiCo, Spitz’s parent company, announced they were moving all production to the United States. It had been operating in Bow Island since 1982.

G.S. Dunn will be using the new facility to clean mustard seed, with plans to eventually add milling capabilities.

Gould says the facility was ideal for their operation, noting they only have to make minor adjustments to fit their needs.

“There’s obviously screen sizes on the cleaning, just because mustard seed is a different size than sunflower, and there’s a few pieces of equipment we’re upgrading,” he said. “PepsiCo removed all of their roasting equipment, which isn’t required for our process, so that made things a little easier.”

The local workforce also earned praise from Gould, noting they have already hired three former Spitz employees.

“What really impressed us was we got to understand what Spitz had done in the past and what we want to do in the future,” he said. “This was kind of a unique area, (with) a very dedicated workforce and people had a very positive experience when they worked at Spitz.

“In some cases, people have reached out to us, who work there, so we’re happy to speak to them.”

Gould says based on current plans, they’re planning to have “five to seven” employees to help with cleaning, and will hire more once milling begins.

The plant will be operational in September.

by Charles Lefebvre

Former Spitz plant purchased by mustard company

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