Cargill Meat Solutions Corporation announced it will permanently close its protein processing facility in Milwaukee, Wis. This closing is expected to result in the permanent elimination of approximately 221 positions.
A Cargill representative reports the company made the difficult decision to close its Milwaukee ground beef facility to better align its portfolio with current customer demand and prioritize investments where they are needed most for the future.
“We recognize the impact this decision has on our 221 employees, and our focus is on supporting them with respect, care and assistance as they navigate this transition. Moving forward, we will shift ground beef production volume to our other North American beef processing facilities, including the nearby Butler, Wis., plant, to continue reliably serving our customers.”
The Milwaukee plant specializes in producing ground beef patties, loaves and chubs. The plant came under Cargill’s ownership with the 2001 acquisition of Emmpak Foods Inc.
According to the WARN notice, Cargill expects to begin the process of winding down operations soon, with production stopping on or around April 17 and the plant fully closed on or around May 31. Separations will happen in phases, based on customer and operational needs. The first employee separations are expected to be April 11.
Impacted employees may apply for open jobs at other Cargill facilities. Employees who exit the Company through this plant closing will be eligible for a severance package.
