News Summary
Utz Brands has announced the closure of its Grand Rapids manufacturing facility by early 2026, reducing their operational plants to seven. The decision is part of a strategy to streamline operations amidst economic pressures. Employees affected will receive support during the transition, while production of certain popular snacks will be relocated to other Utz facilities. This closure reflects broader trends in the manufacturing sector, where Michigan has seen substantial job losses in recent years.
Grand Rapids – Utz Brands, a Pennsylvania-based snack food company, has announced plans to close its manufacturing plant in Grand Rapids by early 2026. This closure will reduce the number of Utz manufacturing facilities from eight to seven.
The company’s manufacturing operations at the Grand Rapids facility, located at 219 Canton Street SW, will cease on January 30, 2026. Additionally, warehousing activities will also come to an end by May 26, 2026. Utz Brands CEO Howard Friedman indicated that this decision is part of a strategy to streamline operations and strengthen the supply chain for the long term.
While the specific number of affected employees has not been disclosed, those impacted were informed through a WARN (Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification) notice. Utz has committed to supporting these employees during the transition period and has outlined plans to provide transition assistance to those affected by the plant’s closure.
Despite the Grand Rapids facility’s shutdown, popular Utz products such as On The Border Tortilla Chips and TGI Fridays Cheddar Baked Potato Skins will continue to be available in the market. However, their production will be shifted to other Utz facilities as part of the company’s consolidation plan.
The Grand Rapids plant was previously owned by Festida Foods, which was acquired by Utz for $41 million in May 2021. This closure reflects a broader trend of job losses in the manufacturing sector, particularly in Grand Rapids, where thousands of manufacturing jobs have been lost over the past two years. It is estimated that over 25,000 manufacturing positions have disappeared across Michigan during this time.
Utz’s decision to close the Grand Rapids facility is a component of a larger initiative aimed at optimizing its manufacturing operations and reducing costs. The consolidation is considered essential to the company’s strategic roadmap, which includes geographic expansion and increased efficiency across its remaining plants.
In recent years, Utz has executed multiple plant closures and sell-offs, which have resulted in a significant reduction of its operational footprint from 16 plants in 2021. The company aims to generate substantial cost savings and enhance automation capabilities within its remaining facilities through this production consolidation.
Utz has also faced economic pressures, as indicated by a decline in net income, which may have influenced the decision to close the Grand Rapids plant. By streamlining operations and consolidating production, Utz Brands expects to navigate these financial challenges while sustaining product availability and meeting market demands.
The closure of the Grand Rapids facility marks a significant shift for both the company and the local workforce, highlighting ongoing changes in the manufacturing landscape in Michigan and beyond.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Utz Brands to Close Grand Rapids Facility Affecting 75 Employees
Additional Resources
- Food Processing: Utz to Shutter Grand Rapids Michigan Plant
- Fox17: Grand Rapids Snack Food Plant Scheduled to Close
- WZZM13: Grand Rapids Utz Location Closed by 2026
- Baking Business: Utz to Close Grand Rapids Mich Facility
- WOODTV: Snack Manufacturer Closing Grand Rapids Plant
- Wikipedia: Utz Brands
- Google Search: Utz Brands Grand Rapids closure
Author: STAFF HERE GRANDRAPIDS WRITER
GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER The GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGrandRapids.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Grand Rapids, Kent County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as ArtPrize, Festival of the Arts, and World of Winter. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and Grand Rapids Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in furniture, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Steelcase, Spectrum Health, and Meijer. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
