Dive Brief:
- Conagra Brands has announced the closure of its nearly 100-year-old plant in Fennville, Michigan, impacting 85 employees. The plant, which currently produces pie filling, will shut down by the end of June.
- This move by Conagra is part of a larger trend in the consumer packaged goods industry, with companies looking to streamline production networks and align supply with demand to enhance efficiency.
Dive Insight:
Amid rising costs and a focus on profitability, many food and beverage manufacturers are opting to close manufacturing facilities. Conagra’s decision to close the Fennville plant is driven by the need to optimize its operations and facilities for maximum efficiency.
Katie Beemer, from Fennville’s city administration, shared that the facility has a long history as the Michigan Fruit Canners and that the city is committed to supporting affected employees during the transition.
In addition to the Fennville closure, Conagra also shuttered a Wisconsin facility in 2024 that produced its Birds Eye frozen brand.