Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation has announced that it will shutter its poultry processing operation in Luverne, Minnesota, on December 29. Closing the facility, which employs approximately 200 workers, will allow the company to shift production and equipment to more efficient operations to enhance synergies and better serve the key customers, according to a press release from the head office.
“The Pilgrim’s team explored several options before arriving at the difficult decision to close the Luverne facility,” said Jayson Penn, head of Pilgrim’s USA. “We recognize the impact this has on our Luverne team, their families and the local community, and we will make every effort to assist in future job placement, including relocation opportunities at other company locations for all impacted employees.”
Acquired in 1998 from the city of Luverne, the processing plant was a former IBP beef production facility that was converted to pack frozen and convenience chicken products. Production capabilities at Luverne will be transferred to other nearby company sites. The facility closure will have no impact on Pilgrim’s overall production capacity.
About Pilgrim’s Pride
Pilgrim’s employs approximately 55,000 people and operates chicken processing plants and prepared foods facilities in 14 USA states, Puerto Rico, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Ireland and continental Europe. The company’s primary distribution is through retailers and foodservice distributors.
