ACH Food to close 2 Illinois plants

CHAMPAIGN -- ACH Food Companies is closing two Illinois facilities next year, which means the loss of more than 450 jobs in central Illinois.

The Memphis, Tenn.-based company told employees Thursday that it would close plants in Jacksonville and Champaign in the next six to nine months.

Company officials say employees will be given at least 60 days notice.

In a letter to employees, company officials say more details will come in the following months.

Messages left for company officials Thursday were not immediately returned.

More than 200 workers are employed in Jacksonville and the Champaign plant has about 250 workers.

Teamsters Local 26 President Pat Gleason says he's shocked by the closures and job cuts because the union and company were in the middle of contract negotiations.