- Lino Saputo
Emanuele (Lino) Saputo is the founder of the Canadian-based
cheese manufacturer, Saputo Inc.Early life
Saputo was born in
Montelepre ,Sicily , in 1937, tocheesemaker Giuseppe and his wife, Maria. He completed his secondary schooling in 1952, and shortly thereafter the Saputo family emigrated toMontreal, Canada .aputo Inc.
The Saputo cheese empire was founded in 1954 in Montreal by Lino Saputo and his parents, cheesemaker Giuseppe and his wife Maria. Initially the company produced about 25 lbs (11.4 kg) of TSX: [http://www.tse.com/HttpController?GetPage=QuotesViewPage&QuoteSymbol_1=SAP ]
Today, Saputo has over 8,500 employees in 46 plants around the world, including Canada, the
USA ,Argentina andGermany . The company produces, commercializes and distributes products under such well-known brands as Saputo, Alexis de Portneuf, Armstrong, Baxter, Dairyland, De Lucia, Dragone, DuVillage de Warwick, Frigo, Kingsey, La Paulina, Nutrilait, Princesse, Ricrem, Sir Laurier d’Arthabaska, Stella, Treasure Cave, Rondeau cookies, HOP&GO! and Vachon.It is currently one of the top twenty dairy processors in the world, the largest dairy processor in Canada, among the top five cheese producers in the United States, the third largest dairy processor in Argentina and the largest snack-cake manufacturer in Canada.
Lino Saputo became Chairman of the Board and President of Saputo Inc. in 1969, and was named Chairman of the Board and
Chief Executive Officer in 1998. In March 2004, his son Lino Saputo, Jr. was appointed to the position of President and Chief Executive Officer. Lino Saputo continues to act as the Company's Chairman of the Board.Other Business Interests
Lino Saputo also owns an important stake in Montreal trucking company TransForce and has extensive investments in real estate, forest products, hotels and golf courses.
Philanthropy
Lino Saputo is also known for his generous philanthropy and support of many causes including many hospitals in Montreal. In July 2006, Saputo committed C$7.5 million towards the construction of Montreal Impact new
soccer stadium at Olympic Park.According to "
Forbes " 2006 "World's Richest People List", Lino Saputo is worth US$2.4 billion and is ranked 317.Notes
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