Tuesday, October 31, 2023

Gay Lea closes Thornloe Cheese





Thornloe Cheese has been closed by owner Gay Lea Foods, according to a notice posted on the front door of the business.


Gencor kept the business from bankruptcy and then sold it to Gay Lea in the fall of 2019.


It was transformed from a single-product plant to a producer of award-winning cheeses and other dairy products.


“As someone who was involved in the Parmalat transfer phase of the plant, as a former dairy farmer, and a Gay Lea shareholder, I am extremely disappointed,” said John Vanthof.


”I have spoken to the CEO (chief executive officer) of the company and will speak to other stakeholders in the upcoming days to see what can be done.


“We fought too long and too hard to save Thornloe Cheese to just wave and say goodbye.”