UPDATED 12.30PM: Canadian-based dairy giant Saputo has announced it will streamline operations at its Maffra and Cobram sites after "careful consideration". In a statement released today it said the measures aimed at improving operational efficiency and right-sizing its manufacturing footprint. "We have made the difficult decision to close one of the two dryers at our Maffra site from March 1 and are seeking expressions of interest for 18 voluntary redundancies," Saputo said. "At Cobram, our Individual Wrapped Slices (IWS) production area will close in June 2022, with this work moving to an alternative manufacturing arrangement. "We are exploring redeployment opportunities for the limited number of employees impacted. "These decisions are not taken easily, however, they are an important part of the continual analysis of our overall activities. "Site management are working with affected employees at both sites to discuss the range of options and support available to them during this time." PREVIOUS: Dairy industry giant Saputo has announced it will "streamline" operations at two of its Australian facilities, with a press release issued early this morning outlining the decision. In the release, the Canadian-based company said it would streamline operations in two of its manufacturing facilities in Australia. "A limited number of employees will be impacted," the release said. "These employees will be provided with severance and outplacement support, and Saputo is exploring redeployment opportunities for some of the affected employees." The Stock Journal understands the two affected sites are Saputo's Maffra and Cobram plants. A source suggested one of the two dryers at the Maffra site would close and they (Saputo) would be seeking voluntary redundancies for 12 processing jobs plus another six maintenance jobs from March 1. A dairy processing source who does not want to be named says Maffra has been operating at about a quarter of its capacity. More to come. Read more: Start the day with all the big news in agriculture. Sign up here to receive our daily Stock Journal newsletter.