News Summary
Utz Brands, Inc. has announced the closure of its manufacturing facility in Grand Rapids by January 30, 2026. This decision is part of a strategy to optimize its manufacturing network. While the number of affected employees remains unclear, Utz Brands plans to offer transition assistance. The move reflects broader trends in the food production industry as companies respond to economic pressures. The closure will significantly impact the local economy and continues a pattern of job losses in the manufacturing sector across Michigan.
Grand Rapids to Lose Utz Brands Manufacturing Facility by 2026
Grand Rapids, MI – Utz Brands, Inc. announced the impending closure of its manufacturing facility located at 219 Canton Street SW, set to occur by January 30, 2026. This announcement was made public on Thursday and communicated to employees through a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) notice.
The manufacturing operations are scheduled to cease by the end of January 2026, while warehouse operations will follow, concluding on May 26, 2026. Currently, the exact number of employees impacted by this closure remains unclear. However, Utz Brands has committed to providing “transition assistance” to those affected.
In light of the closure, Utz Brands aims to optimize its manufacturing network. The company will continue the production of products currently made at the Grand Rapids facility at other locations across the United States. This strategic decision is part of a larger effort by Utz to streamline its operations, enhance its supply chain, and realize potential cost savings.
Economic Factors and Job Losses
This closure comes against a backdrop of significant job losses in the manufacturing sector within Grand Rapids, where thousands of positions have been cut over the past year. Statewide, over 25,000 manufacturing jobs have been lost in Michigan. The ongoing economic pressures, including inflation, have resulted in many food and beverage manufacturers adopting consolidation strategies to maintain profitability and operational efficiency.
Utz Brands’ decision is in line with recent trends visible in the food production industry, where companies such as PepsiCo and Conagra Brands have also announced facility closures. These strategic responses are largely aimed at addressing inflationary pressures and optimizing operational footprints.
Company Profile and Financial Outlook
Founded in 1921, Utz Brands began as a potato chip manufacturer and has since expanded its brand portfolio to include over a dozen names, such as On the Border and TGI Fridays Snacks. The company manufactures a diverse array of snack products, including pretzels, popcorn, and potato chips.
Recent financial reports from Utz indicated a 2.9% increase in second-quarter net sales, totaling $366.7 million compared to the previous year. Additionally, the company projects organic net sales growth of at least 2.5% for the fiscal year 2025, suggesting a strong market position despite the challenges faced. This closure is a part of a broader supply chain overhaul that is expected to save the company upwards of $100 million in the long run.
Workers at the Grand Rapids plant will be encouraged to apply for positions at other Utz locations, providing some continuity for employees in the wake of the facility’s closure. As the food manufacturing landscape continues to evolve, Utz Brands is taking steps to ensure it remains competitive and well-positioned for future geographic expansions.
The closure of the Grand Rapids facility reflects both the immediate impacts on the workforce in the region and the strategic shifts that companies are making in response to challenging economic conditions. The decision, while aimed at improving Utz’s overall efficiency and cost structure, will still have significant implications for the local economy and community.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Utz Brands to Close Grand Rapids Facility by 2026
Utz Brands to Close Grand Rapids Manufacturing Plant
Utz Brands to Close Grand Rapids Facility Affecting 75 Employees
Additional Resources
- WZZM 13
- Fox 17
- Food Dive
- Wood TV
- Crain’s Grand Rapids
- Wikipedia: Utz Brands
- Google Search: Grand Rapids manufacturing closures
- Google Scholar: Utz Brands closure
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Manufacturing
- Google News: Utz Brands
