MILLSBORO, Del.- It is not a good start to the holiday weekend for hundreds of people in Sussex County. WBOC received word Friday that the Vlasic Pickle Plant in Millsboro will be shutting down.
Pinnacle Food Group, which now runs the plant, says it will stop production in Millsboro by the end of the year. The company said its goal is to increase efficiency. More than 200 people work at the Millsboro plant, according to Pinnacle Foods.
The company said in a statement that it will be consolidating its Vlasic pickle production into one plant in Imlay City, Mich. The company said its decision to focus on its branded Vlasic business and de-emphasize its lower-margin, un-branded pickle business was the catalyst for this consolidation.
"It is never an easy decision to close a plant. We came to this conclusion only after a detailed analysis of all potential options, which determined that the Imlay City plant is the most viable choice for the long term," said Tony Fernandez, Pinnacle Foods' executive vice president and chief supply chain officer. "The employees in Millsboro have been a valued part of our business and their dedication and contributions to the company are appreciated."
According to Pinnacle Foods, all of its Millsboro employees will have the opportunity to apply for open positions at other Pinnacle facilities, as well as to receive professional career support services.
Pinnacle Foods said it will meet with union officials at the Millsboro plant to discuss specifics of the transition. A minimum of 60 days notice prior to final closure of the plant will be provided to all Millsboro employees, the company said.
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