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Maple Leaf Foods has announced it will close two production facilities in Seattle, Washington and Turners Falls, Massachusetts, as part of a move to consolidate its US plant-based protein production into a single site in Indiana.
The company, headquartered in Ontario, Canada, has announced the plans following a review of its plant protein manufacturing footprint. Its plant-based brands include the meat-free brands Lightlife, Field Roast, and Yves Veggie Cuisine, most recently added to its portfolio following its acquisition from previous owner Hain Celestial in January 2026.
The decision is part of its ‘Fuel for Growth’ initiative, aiming to create a more efficient manufacturing network, improve capacity utilisation, reduce operational complexity and establish a focused Plant Protein Centre of Excellence at the site in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Maple Leaf Foods said it expects the transition to occur in phases over approximately 12 to 18 months, with completion targeted for Q4 2027.
The company said it will work closely with impacted team members throughout, providing support and considering opportunities at other Maple Leaf facilities where feasible. FoodBev Media has approached the company to find out how many job cuts are expected to be made due to the consolidation.
Manufacturing will continue at the Seattle and Turner Falls sites during the transition period, with the phased approach intended to maintain business continuity and support customer service.
As production is consolidated, Maple Leaf Foods said it expects to invest in its Indianapolis facility and add team members to support the expanded scope of operations.
Curtis Frank, president and CEO of Maple Leaf Foods, said: “Over the past several years, we have taken significant action to improve the performance of our Plant Protein business, and we have made meaningful progress”.
“But the category has changed significantly, and declining volumes have left our manufacturing network substantially underutilised. Maintaining three facilities at these utilisation levels creates structural costs that are not sustainable over the long term.”
Frank noted that the workforce at the Seattle and Turner Falls sites have “consistently demonstrated tremendous commitment,” adding: “This decision is not a reflection of their performance or the quality of their work. We recognise how difficult this announcement is for them and their communities, and our priority will be to support affected team members with respect, fairness and transparency.”
