Conagra Brands has announced the closure of its Birds Eye facility in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, scheduled for the end of summer 2024. This closure will result in the elimination of approximately 250 jobs at the site, which has been operational since 1972 and became part of Conagra following its acquisition of Pinnacle Foods in 2018. Conagra Brands is known for its extensive range of products including cooking oils, frozen dinners, snacks, and condiments, Conagra owns popular brands like Marie Callender’s, Healthy Choice, Slim Jim, and Orville Redenbacher’s.

The decision to shut down the Beaver Dam facility was described by a Conagra media representative as a strategic move aimed at optimizing the company’s production network. This optimization is intended to bolster Conagra’s efficiency and competitiveness by consolidating production into fewer facilities. Hare emphasized that the decision to close the facility does not reflect on the performance of the workforce but rather on broader business needs. Beaver Dam Mayor Mike Wissell expressed his sadness over the closure, noting the facility’s long history of providing stable employment opportunities in the community.

In response to the closure, Conagra has committed to treating the affected employees respectfully and fairly, offering severance benefits to help ease their transition. The company’s approach aims to mitigate the impact of the closure on the workforce as much as possible.

As the community faces the loss of a major employer, Mayor Wissell has indicated that efforts are underway to find a suitable replacement business for the facility, aiming to revitalize the local job market and mitigate the economic impact of Conagra’s departure.