Nestlé Waters Canada is considering expanding its operations north.
Last week the company announced it is evaluating the Middlebrook Water Co. spring water source in Centre Wellington for potential acquisition, subject to confirmation that groundwater there meets its quality and quantity requirements and that the existing production permit will be renewed later this year by Ontario Ministry of Environment.
Nestlé would use the production well as a back-up or supplementary source to its main production well in Aberfoyle.
Middlebrook Water Co., located on a five-acre site at 7334 Middlebrook Road, west of Elora, currently has a five-year water drawing permit that expires in October. The permit allows the company to draw 300 gallons of water per minute.
Nestlé Waters’ natural resources manager Andreanne Simard explained the company will undertake significant hydrogeological, biological and other scientific testing over the next 120 days to confirm the current water source meets Nestlé’s standards and that the well can operate to its currently-permitted level.
In a telephone interview with the Advertiser, Nestlé Waters director of corporate affairs John Challinor said the proposal includes buying the five-acre property with the spring source.
“We put in an offer to make the purchase. It would be used as a supplementary or back up well for the well in Puslinch,” said Challinor.
He stated Nestlé currently does not have a back up well for its major water source.
Challinor also explained the move does not affect its current operations in Erin.
“The Erin source is used as a separate source from Puslinch, which is the main production well,” said Challinor. “If everything tests out to the company’s requirements, then the source would be purchased.”
He said if all goes well Nestlé would apply to extend the water taking permit, but currently Nestlé has no plans for the existing factory building on site.
“At this point we would build a
pump house and [transport]water to Puslinch as required. In all likelihood the existing building would be demolished.”
As negotiations remain underway, the potential cost of the deal is unknown.
Over the years the building has had a number of uses including a water bottling company, DIY brewing, and a chicken processing plant.
Nestlé Waters Canada is associated with Nestlé Waters North America of Stamford, Connecticut.
With headquarters in the Puslinch, the company has roughly 400 employees supporting a network of more than 145 retailers across Canada.
For further information, visit www.nestle-waters.ca.
