WEST LIBERTY, Iowa — West Liberty Foods has announced that the company will be cutting 260 jobs in the coming year.
The company's West Liberty processing facility currently employs around 865 employees. The elimination of 260 jobs represents a 30% reduction in the facility's workforce.
According to a news release from Dan Waters, the company's chief legal officer, the company is phasing out ready-to-eat slicing operations and second-shift log fabrication operations at its West Liberty facility throughout 2024, with the first phase of job cuts beginning Apr. 29. The company intends to move slicing operations to its Bolingbrook, Illinois, plant.
Employees were notified of the decision on Tuesday, Feb 13. No production workers have been laid off yet. The layoffs will happen in phases in April, May, June and November.
The release states that turkey harvesting and first-shift log fabrication operations will continue in West Liberty and that the company's headquarters will remain in West Liberty. The company says it'll work with impacted team members to find job reassignment opportunities and also offer on-site reemployment and support services.
Brandon Achen, president and CEO of West Liberty Foods issued the following statement: “As a resident of this community, the decision to reduce production capacity in West Liberty was difficult and painful. We value the contributions of all our team members and deeply regret the need for layoffs. We are committed to connecting each affected person with new employment opportunities and support.”
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