General Mills Announces Plans To Close Lodi Plant
LODI (CBS13) – General Mills announced Thursday morning that they are planning on closing their manufacturing facility in Lodi.
According to a release posted to the company's website, the decision is only preliminary and is subject to negotiation with union officials. However, if finalized, General Mills notes the plant close by the end of next year.
The closure would leave about 430 employees at the facility out of work.
"My dad was one of the fourth or fifth people hired at the mill," said Michael Woodward, who was out in front of the plant Thursday morning.
The Lodi plant, which mainly manufactures cereal for the company, has been in operation since 1947.
General Mills posted a 25 percent drop in profits on Wednesday, with poor demand for breakfast cereal and packaged foods.
Lodi officials expressed their disappointment in the announcement by General Mills.
"General Mills' announcement of preliminary plans to close the Lodi plant is truly sobering. General Mills and its employees have been a major part of the fabric of the Lodi community for many years," wrote Lodi City Manager Steve Schwabauer in a release.
Company officials say that employees were sent home following the announcement. The plant will remain closed through Sunday, but is expected to reopen on Monday morning.