Monterey Mayor Alex Garcia – “We will know more in the days to come as things are coming together rather quickly.”

Business is business. Those who control such things often do what they believe is best for business, but where does that leave the ones left behind, the ones clinging to a paycheck with bills to pay and mouths to feed?

As Perdue Farms is set to close its Monterey plant, 433 people are left behind trying to figure out what’s next. They will, of course, figure it out because the people of Upper Cumberland are intelligent, hardworking and smart, and we live in a country where hard work, creativity and dedication lead to success.

Monterey’s leadership told the UCBJ the community would prevail.

“Anyone affected by this closure, please know that there are tons of people behind the scenes making sure that you can get trained, you can get jobs, so going forward we will prevail,” said Monterey Mayor Alex Garcia. “… Perdue closing in Monterey is unfortunate, as you know they’ve been a part of Monterey for many, many years. It will be a hard transition, but we will get through it,” said Garcia.

Cumberland County officials said hearts go out to those affected as they scramble to provide solutions.

“Our hearts go out to all who are faced with this sudden change. If you have job opportunities that can help with the outplacement of those affected, make sure they are posted through the Crossville-Cumberland County Job Search portal on our website,” according to a release. “…If you are also a member of the Cookeville-Putnam County Chamber, you can post your openings on the Jobs page on their website …”

Garcia talked about the opportunities for those who lost work.

“There are tons of people working to make sure that everyone affected by this will have somewhere to go,” said Garcia. “We will know more in the days to come as things are coming together rather quickly. Putnam county officials, Monterey officials and state officials are all working together to make things happen.”

The reasoning, according to Perdue, was the company’s “overall focus” on continuous improvement and modernization. It wants to meet ever-evolving customer demands. As they evolve, so do operational needs, according to the company.

“This was difficult news for our associates, and please know a decision like this is something we take very seriously, and one that was not made lightly,” said Perdue in a letter to the Cookeville Chamber of Commerce.

Market demand was the deciding factor.

“Changes in market demand and how the company produces and supplies its products have impacted the Monterey facility in recent years,” according to Perdue. “Addressing these challenges would require substantial additional investments to maintain operations. As a result, 433 positions will be eliminated.”

Rafferty Cleary is the Cultural Administrator for Monterey, and the long-time radio voice of the region. He says both the Chamber and the Highlands Economic Partnership will be holding a job fair specifically for Perdue employees with a goal of connecting them with local employment opportunities.

“We are seeking businesses in our community to participate in this event and showcase available positions to these displaced workers,” according to Cleary.

“If your business is interested in being a part of this job fair, please fill out the form linked below. …”

HERE.

“Your involvement can make a meaningful difference in helping these individuals find new opportunities and continue contributing to our community,” said Cleary.

There was no political motive for the closure as some have suggested, according to Garcia.

“It is strictly monetarily related, I don’t think there’s any political motivation for this closure at all,” he said.

Garcia says the building may sit for a while, but there has been some interest in filling the spot, but he has said is not likely to be a food processing company due to the cost of bringing the plant up to USDA standards.

“As far as someone filling the building it is early, but there have been some talks with other businesses that are interested,” he said. “At this time, I cannot give any other information on that matter.”

Perdue has long been a driver of jobs and economy in the area.

“Perdue has been a longtime supporter of Monterey and a huge employer in Monterey. They have slowly been cutting down the workforce. Over a year ago, it was 1,200. They are down to about 480 right now. That building has housed many different factories throughout the years, and I believe it will continue to do so,” according to Garcia.

Image by pvproductions on Freepik.

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