General Mills to close West Chicago plant, 500 workers affected
General Mills' facility in West Chicago is expected to close in 2017, affecting about 500 workers, as part of an ongoing effort to streamline operations, the company said Thursday.
The facility produces Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Hamburger Helper and other food products.
The company said the decision to close the plant is "preliminary." About 300 of the workers belong to the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers Union, said company spokeswoman Kelsey Roemhildt.
"If the decision becomes final, the company expects the facility would close mid-calendar year 2017," she said.
The West Chicago plant has been operated by General Mills since 1959. Its closing was part of an announcement to also close a plant in Joplin, Missouri, which will affect about 120 jobs. The Joplin plant could close later this year.
West Chicago Mayor Ruben Pineda said he has talked to company representatives as well as to state and county officials to ensure that the employees are provided the services they need to find other jobs or assistance.
"This closure impacts us greatly," Pineda said. "There are 500 employees and this company has been a part of our community since 1959. It's sad to see it go."
If the decision to close the West Chicago plant is final, then the manufacturing would be consolidated within the General Mills supply chain network, Roemhildt said.
Roemhildt said the announcements were part of their Project Century, a three-year formal review of General Mills North American supply chain network announced in June 2014. It aims to streamline operations and identify potential capacity reductions.