Company plans to support those affected by the closure with severance packages including extended WARN
Perdue Foods (PF) announced it will close its Monterey facility on March 28, 2025. The closure will eliminate 433 jobs in the area.
The 105-year-old company says the decision comes “after a thorough strategic business and financial review of the plant’s performance and its future viability,” according to a release. PF says the company’s “overall focus” is on continuous improvement and modernization.
It wants to meet customer demands that are ever evolving. As customer demands evolve, so to do operational needs.
“Changes in market demand and how the company produces and supplies its products have impacted the Monterey facility in recent years,” according to the release. “Addressing these challenges would require substantial additional investments to maintain operations. As a result, 433 positions will be eliminated.”
The company says it understands the impact of such a closure.
“Perdue values the contributions of our associates in Monterey and acknowledges the impact this decision has on them, their families and the broader community,” according to the release.
There is planned support for those affected by the closure with severance packages including extended WARN (Worker Adjustment and Retraining) protections (federal law that offers employees protection tow workers) and additional severance “beyond the standard compensation and job placement support to assist in their transition.”
“While this decision is incredibly difficult, it is necessary to ensure Perdue remains fit for the future,” said Kevin McAdams, CEO of Perdue Farms. “We must make challenging choices today to continue to serve our customers and consumers effectively, and to continue to grow our company. This decision was not made lightly, and we are committed to treating every impacted associate with dignity, respect, and care. We extend our deepest gratitude to the Monterey team for their hard work and dedication and remain proud of the contributions they’ve made to our business.”
According to the release, the closure will not impact Perdue’s relationships with farmers, or the quality of service provided to its customers and that the company “is working closely with affected customers to ensure smooth transitions.”
“Perdue’s commitment to quality and service remains unwavering and that dedication extends to building and maintaining strong relationships with our farmers, customers, and associates,” McAdams continued. “Aligned with our vision to be the most trusted name in food and agricultural products we will continue prioritizing strategic investments that support innovation, sustainability and long-term profitable growth.”
Putnam County Mayor Randy Porter says he is heartbroken.
“Saddened by the announcement from Perdue Farms on the closing of the Monterey plant. Our hearts and prayers go out to the 433 employees who will be impacted by the closing. The plant has been a part of Monterey and Putnam County’s economy for many years,” said Mayor Porter in a statement. We will be working closely with Monterey officials and our Chamber of Commerce to do everything we can to assist the workers during this difficult time.”
Porter says the county will deploy the “Workforce Strike Team” to help the dislocated workers find new jobs.
“Please help us by posting any job openings your business might have on the Chamber’s website at https://business.cookevillechamber.com/jobs,” said Porter. “We live in a very strong community which I have full faith will come together and show our strength by helping our fellow citizens with job opportunities and resources.”
Photo courtesy of Purdue.
Copyright 2024 The Upper Cumberland Business Journal. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Other stories you may want to check out: