Pinnacle Foods has announced plans to shut down its Evol frozen foods manufacturing facility in Boulder, Colorado, and relocate production of the brand’s range of burritos, snacks, entrees and breakfast items to a factory in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The jobs of approximately 85 people are affected.
According to a statement issued by the Parsippany, New Jersey-headquartered company, which acquired the facility with the purchase of Boulder Brands in January: “The Evol brand has outgrown its current manufacturing site in Boulder, and the Fayetteville location has the necessary capacity to accommodate the business. Select products will continue to be produced at strategic contract manufacturers with specialized capabilities.”
Anticipating that the Evol plant will close during the first quarter of 2017, Pinnacle is inviting workers to apply for open positions at the company’s other sites, including one in nearby Denver.
“While it’s never an easy decision to close a manufacturing plant, this action will ensure the long-term success of the Evol brand,” said Mike Wittman, executive vice president and chief supply chain officer. “We are thankful to the employees at the plant and value the many contributions they have made to the business.”
Pinnacle will be investing in the Fayetteville facility to upgrade existing manufacturing capabilities and expects to hire approximately 25 new full-time employees to support the added capacity. The state of Arkansas has offered support in the form of grants and incentives in recognition of the economic benefit of the company’s expansion in Fayetteville.
