Conagra Brands, a well-known food company, recently announced its plans to close a nearly 100-year-old plant in Fennville, Michigan. The closure is expected to impact 85 employees and is set to take place by the end of June. Currently, the plant produces pie filling, according to a statement from the company.
This decision to close the plant is part of Conagra’s effort to streamline its production network and align its supply with demand. Many food and beverage manufacturers have been facing inflation and are looking for ways to improve their margins, leading to the closure of various manufacturing facilities.
In a statement, Conagra mentioned that the closure of the Fennville facility is necessary to operate its overall operations and facility footprint more effectively and efficiently. The company’s decision reflects a broader trend in the industry, with companies like Tyson Foods, Del Monte Foods, Campbell’s Company, and PepsiCo also announcing plant closures in recent times.
Katie Beemer from Fennville’s city administration shared that the Conagra facility in Fennville has a long history, starting as the Michigan Fruit Canners a century ago. The city plans to support the affected employees and collaborate closely with Conagra Brands on the transition plan for the facility.
It’s worth noting that Conagra previously closed a Wisconsin facility in 2024 that produced its Birds Eye frozen brand. The company’s strategic decisions to close plants are aimed at optimizing its operations and adapting to changing market dynamics. As the food industry continues to evolve, such moves are becoming increasingly common among major players in the sector.
