Wonderbrands Ends Sliced Bread Production in Sudbury, 50 Jobs Cut

What’s Going on at Wonderbrands?

Wonderbrands is shutting down its sliced bread production line in Sudbury, affecting 50 full- and part-time workers, according to a statement shared with CBC News.

• The affected brands include Wonder, D’Italiano, and Country Harvest, widely distributed across Canada.
• Production on the sliced bread line will stop October 6, though bun roll production will continue at the facility.
• The company says the decision reflects a “sustained industry-wide shift in bread consumption“, with no plans to eliminate baking operations in the region entirely.

Union and Community Response

United Food & Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 175 is sounding the alarm over broader community impacts.

• “This is not just job losses for the affected workers. It’s a loss for the entire northern Ontario community,” said Debora De Angelis, UFCW Local 175 representative.

Industry Trends and Expert Analysis

Michael von Massow, food economist at the University of Guelph, says the shutdown reflects broader market realities:

• “It’s not that people are eating less bread,” he said, “but that they’re eating a wider variety of breads.“
• Traditional sliced bread products are being outpaced by artisan, sourdough, gluten-free, and specialty loaves, shifting demand away from mass-produced options.
• Von Massow also noted the logistical costs of running production in northern Ontario, which make it harder for facilities like Sudbury’s to remain competitive.

Bigger Picture for Sudbury’s Food Sector

This is the second food production layoff announcement in Sudbury in recent months:

• In July, Lactalis Canada confirmed it would shut down its plant-based milk facility in December, further raising concerns about the future of local food processing.
• Von Massow said government support may help smooth transitions but emphasized the need for a clear market case for regional food production.

Next Steps for Wonderbrands Staff in Sudbury

If you lose your job with Wonderbrands in Sudbury, understanding your legal rights is crucial.

Non-unionized employees are entitled to severance pay in Ontario. This includes individuals working full-time, part-time, or hourly.

The amount you’re owed is based on a variety of factors, including your role, tenure, age, and ability to find similar work.

📺 WATCH: Everything Non-Unionized Employees Need to Know About Severance Pay

Key Severance Facts:

• Compensation: Severance packages, which can be as much as 24 months’ pay, may include salary, bonuses, commissions, and other forms of compensation. Use our firm’s free Ontario Severance Pay Calculator to better understand your entitlements.
• Deadlines: You generally have up to 2 years from the date of your termination to review and negotiate severance offers.
• Action steps: Consult an employment lawyer at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP to ensure your severance package is fair and aligns with Ontario employment laws.

Lost Your Job at Wonderbrands? Contact Us

If you’ve lost your job at Wonderbrands for any reason, the experienced employment law team at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP can help.

Our Sudbury employment lawyers working in Ontario have helped thousands of non-unionized employees get justice and full severance packages.

📞 Call us today at 1-855-821-5900 or request a consultation online.

Disclaimer: The materials above are provided as general information about the rights of non-unionized employees in Canada. It is not specific to any one company and SHOULD NOT be read as suggesting any improper conduct on the part of any specific employer, or a relationship between Samfiru Tumarkin LLP and a specific employer.