Campbell to close Georgia snacks plant and lay off 326 people

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Campbell Soup Company has announced its plans to close its snacks manufacturing facility in Columbus, Georgia by spring 2022.

The plant – which produces a range of candy, crackers, cookies, nuts and bars under brands such as Synder’s of Hanover and Pepperidge Farm – currently employs 326 people. Campbell says impacted employees will receive severance or separation packages.

The decision comes after a careful review of the company's snacks division’s manufacturing operations and the plant was chosen in part due to its age and reduced consumer demand for non-core products that are manufactured there.

Founded in 1927 by Tom Houston, the Columbus facility marks the oldest plant in the Campbell network. The 94-years-old plant previously operated as Tom’s Foods, before it was acquired by Lance in 2005 and then as part of Campbell’s purchase of Snyder’s-Lance in 2018.

The company plans to operate the facility for up to 18 months and will shut it down in phases. Campbell says it will phase out the production of candy under the Lance brand and will shift production of its higher demand Lance, Emerald and Late July snacks across the division’s manufacturing network.

Valerie Oswalt, executive vice president and president of Campbell Snacks, said: “Closing one of our facilities is a very difficult decision. The Columbus plant is the oldest in our manufacturing network, making it difficult to retrofit. Our Columbus team is talented and dedicated, and we are committed to assisting them through this transition.”