SHANNON — Sara Lee says it will close a plant in Shannon, Miss., by the end of March putting 155 people out of work.
The Shannon plant, which makes Bryan Smokies cocktail sausages, has been operating since 1997.
The company said in a news release that the plant is expected to close by March 30.
Mike Cummins, Sara Lee’s director of corporate communications, said Thursday that the decision to close the facility is the result of excess capacity and Sara Lee’s ongoing efforts to consolidate resources and simplify operations.
He said the production at Shannon will to Sara Lee’s Claryville, Ky., and St. Joseph, Mo., facilities.
“Any decision that affects the livelihood of our employees is made by Sara Lee only after very careful consideration. We want to emphasize that our decision is not driven by the quality of our work force at this site. We understand this will be a very difficult time for our employees and their families. Impacted employees will receive appropriate support from the company, including severance and outplacement assistance,” Cummins said.
He said employees will receive a 60-day notice of closure in accordance with federal regulations.
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