Close to 180 workers will be laid off from a Cargill meat processing plant in Fresno, California, ahead of its sale to the state’s largest beef producer.
Layoff notices were issued to 178 workers between June 5 – 7, according to detailed WARN filings. The notices are part of a decision to sell the processing plant to Central Valley Meat, who had committed to retaining as many of the 880 plant workers as possible.
“While more than 700 employees will join Central Valley Meats upon its purchase of Cargill’s Fresno plant, a WARN notice has been issued for 178 employees who will not be retained by Central Valley Meats,” a Cargill spokesperson confirmed in an email to Agriculture Dive Monday.
Affected workers will continue to receive pay and benefits for 60 days, the spokesperson said, and will be eligible for severance packages and job search, application and interview assistance.
“We are sad to see the people impacts and are committed to providing support and resources,” the spokesperson added.
Currently, the Fresno plant produces an average 1,600 cattle per day and about 1.4 million pounds of trim, boxed and case-ready beef daily, according to Cargill’s website. Cargill plans to retain its ground beef and hamburger operations in the area.
Layoffs are set to take effect Aug. 4, according to the WARN filings.