In 2015, Del Monte Foods acquired a vegetable production and canning facility in Sampson County; the company has now announced that it intends to close that plant near the town of Turkey by September 1, impacting 230 full-time employees and 92 seasonal workers, according to a WARN notice filed with the state Department of Commerce.
It’s the second time in two and a half years that the plant was threatened with closure. Del Monte acquired Sager Creek in 2015 as part of $75 million acquisition deal.
Del Monte and Sager Creek plan to consolidate its vegetable production at other facilities owned by Del Monte, but company executives did not specify at which locations in its layoff notice to the state.
“The consolidation will allow the company and Del Monte Foods Inc. to respond effectively to recent economic headwinds and process vegetables in a more cost effective manner, better ensuring the long-term health of the overall business,” stated Dave McLain, president of Sager Creek Vegetable Co., in his letter to the state.
Sager Creek Vegetable Co. manufactures canned vegetables under the brands Veg-all, Freshlike, Popeye, Princella Trappey’s, and Allens. In Sampson County, the company produced potatoes, greens, dry beans, spinach, white potatoes, squash, refried beans and green beans products.
