Bunge’s Altona Plant Receives Awards For Safety And Productivity

Bunge’s Altona plant has received global recognition for its commitment to safety and productivity.

Out of more than 350 facilities located in more than 40 countries, the Altona plant made the podium as the “Best Large Facility” for its safety performance and as “Best Refining Facility” for its productivity results.

The company says both awards were achieved in a year of exceptional challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic, with the team coming through successfully.

The Safety Award was given for the Altona team’s performance in 2020 in preventing injuries and providing a safe workplace. The award was in recognition of Altona employees care and concern for coworkers and their community outreach efforts, such as farm safety days, educating young students in the importance of safety in rural communities.

The Productivity Award was for the Altona refinery team exceeding all business targets and setting new records in shipment volume, quality, and cost metrics.

“The two awards solidify the position of Altona as a flagship canola facility within the global Bunge organization due to the commitment of our employees and their dedication to their own safety and the safety of coworkers,” said Kachig Anspikian, Altona’s plant manager.

The Altona plant was established in 1946 as a sunflower crush facility. Over the years, it has changed and evolved by moving into new products like canola, flax, and more recently into specialty crops like Nexera high-oleic canola. The plant became part of Bunge in 2002.

In Canada, Bunge employs around 700 people, including 90 employees at the Altona facility.