NEWPORT, TENN. — Conagra Brands, Inc. ceased production at its plant in Newport on Oct. 22. The plant, which was built in 1905, manufactured Manwich, Van Camp’s Beans, Ranch Style Beans and Hunt’s spaghetti and tomato sauce.

“Yesterday was the last day of production at our Newport facility, and it impacted approximately 215 jobs,” said Dan Hare, senior director of communications at Conagra Brands. “The decision was based on our need to operate as efficiently and effectively as possible across our full network of production facilities. The products will now be made primarily in Archbold, Ohio, and Fort Madison, Iowa. We informed our employees early this year and have discussed the timing and transition support as part of the process. Employees are also able to apply for positions at other Conagra facilities.”

News of the plant’s closing first surfaced in January 2020. At that time, the company said the decision to shut down the plant would allow Conagra to increase efficiencies within the larger scope of the company.