WALNUT CREEK, CALIF. — Del Monte Foods, a manufacturer of canned fruits, vegetables, refrigerated produce and frozen products, is adding two new plant closures to its list.
The company, a subsidiary of Del Monte Pacific Ltd., said it is closing two plants in Toppenish, Wash., and Markesan, Wis.
The closings will affect approximately 90 employees at the Wisconsin location and approximately 127 at the Washington location, according to the company. The company said it will close the locations at the end of its fiscal year April 26, 2024.
“This was an extremely difficult decision, but one that Del Monte Foods needed to make to align and streamline operational capacity with consumer demand,” said Drew McGowan, director corporate communications at Del Monte. “There has been a general reset in consumer behavior, realigning with buying habits at pre-COVID levels and has required the company to assess its manufacturing network and reduce the number of facilities.
“As a result of the decision, the first employment separations are expected to occur on April 26, 2024, as production will come to a close. Labeling and distribution activities are expected to continue until fall 2024. In the meantime, we are in the process of bargaining with the union in Toppenish over the effects of the closure. The company is committed to doing all we can to provide the affected team members with resources and support.”
In August 2019, the company announced plans to close four plants in Sleepy Eye, Minn.; Mendota, Ill.; Cambria, Wis.; and Crystal City, Texas, as part of its move to an “asset-light strategy.” In 2018, the company closed plants in North Carolina, Indiana and California.
Del Monte Foods operates such brands as Del Monte, Fruit Naturals, Orchard Select, SunFresh, Fruit Refreshers, Contadina, College Inn, Kitchen Basics, Joyba, Take Root Organics, and S&W.