General Mills Shuts Missouri Pet Food and Pizza Crust Plants
General Mills announced the closure of three facilities in Missouri as part of efforts to enhance its supply chain. This includes a pizza crust plant in St. Charles and two pet food facilities in Joplin. The decision aims to bolster the company’s competitiveness in the market.
Details of the Facility Closures
The closures are expected to occur over the next few years. The St. Charles pizza crust manufacturing facility will cease operations by the end of June 2026. The two pet food plants in Joplin will stop production by July 2026.
- St. Charles, MO: Pizza crust plant closure by June 2026.
- Joplin, MO: Two pet food facilities closure by July 2026.
Employee Impact
The number of employees affected by these closures has not been clearly disclosed. A notice under the WARN Act, which typically outlines layoffs, was not available on the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development website as of October 1.
General Mills has indicated that employees at the Joplin pet food facilities will have opportunities at other locations within the company. Efforts will also be made to assist St. Charles employees in finding positions within General Mills.
Strategic Restructuring
This announcement follows the company’s initiation of a “multi-year global transformation initiative” approved in May. General Mills anticipates spending approximately $70 million on severance and restructuring efforts.
The company stated that while these decisions are challenging, they are essential for promoting product innovation and maintaining long-term growth and competitiveness.
Acquisitions and Justification
General Mills had acquired the Joplin pet food plants as part of its 2024 purchase of Whitebridge Pet Brands. The St. Charles pizza facility was obtained in 2022, highlighting a recent focus on expanding production capabilities.
A spokesperson for General Mills emphasized that production from the closing facilities would be relocated to other operational sites to maintain efficiency.
In summary, General Mills’s closures in Missouri are part of a broader plan to enhance its supply chain, with significant implications for both the company and its workforce.
