Iowa-based turkey processor West Liberty Foods will close its Mount Pleasant facility in 2023, affecting 350 employees.
The location has produced millions of pounds of pre-sliced deli meats since its opening in 2003. The facility is not meeting the needs of the company, due to a reduction in demand for the product, according to a news release sent Friday.
“Respect and care for people is a core value of our company, and shutting down a plant is a tough thing todo,” Brandon Achen, president and CEO of West Liberty Foods, said in the release.
“We are sincerely grateful to the City of Mount Pleasant for its cooperation and support over the past 20years,” he said. “Our core business remains strong and we will continue to adapt to meet the needs of ourcustomers.”
Layoffs will start Dec. 31, and the facility will close by May 7, 2023.
West Liberty Foods will offer Mount Pleasant workers the option to work at other locations, and said it will help with relocation and transportation services. It also will offer severance pay, reemployment services and assistance with filing for unemployment.
“We are committed to providing our team members with support as we work through the process of closingthe plant,” Tara Lindsay, chief talent and culture officer, said in the release.
The company will distribute the equipment from Mount Pleasant to its facilities in Iowa, Illinois and Utah.
