USA – Conagra Brands, an Illinois based consumer packaged goods company, is currently in the process of closing its facility located in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, where it produces its popular Birds Eye frozen brand.
The closure, expected to be finalized around June 10th, will result in 252 employees losing their jobs.
The decision is part of Conagra’s ongoing efforts to assess and optimize its production network to maintain competitiveness in the market.
According to the company statement, it continually evaluates its production facilities to ensure they operate effectively and efficiently, allowing them to remain competitive.
The closure of the Beaver Dam facility reflects the company’s strategy to consolidate production into fewer facilities while still meeting business demands.
“We have determined that we can continue to meet the needs of the business by making these products in fewer facilities,” the company statement said.
The company also promised to offer severance benefits to affected employees as part of the closure process.
This move by Conagra to streamline its operations follows a trend in the food manufacturing industry, where companies are restructuring their production networks to increase efficiency and improve profitability.
Del Monte Foods, for example, announced plans in February to close two plants to better match operational capacity with market demand.
Similarly, snacks maker Kellanova, chips producer Utz Brands, cereal manufacturer Post Holdings, and meat and poultry processor Tyson Foods have all announced plant closures in recent times.
These decisions come as companies face pressure to streamline operations and manage costs amid challenges such as rising production expenses and shifting consumer preferences.
Aside from Birds Eye, Conagra manufactures other popular frozen food brands such as Marie Callender’s and Healthy Choice meals, as well as snacks like Slim Jim and Orville Redenbacher popcorn.
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