News Summary
Utz Brands Inc. has announced the closure of its Grand Rapids manufacturing facility, impacting about 75 employees. The closure, driven by operational streamlining and supply chain efficiency, is set to begin in January 2026. Affected workers will receive transition assistance, with many eligible for positions at other Utz facilities. Despite the closure, Utz reported positive financial results, indicating it remains focused on growth and innovation within the snacks market.
Grand Rapids to Face Job Losses as Utz Brands Announces Plant Closure
Grand Rapids, Michigan – Utz Brands Inc. has announced the impending closure of its manufacturing facility in Grand Rapids, which will impact approximately 75 employees. The plant’s operations are set to cease on January 30, 2026, with warehouse activities concluding by May 26, 2026.
The decision to close the Grand Rapids plant is part of Utz’s strategy to streamline operations and improve supply chain efficiency. This transition will reduce the number of manufacturing plants operated by Utz from eight to seven. The CEO, Howard Friedman, indicated that achieving operational excellence and undergoing a long-term transformation were key factors behind this decision.
As the company moves forward with the closure, affected employees will receive transition assistance and will be eligible to apply for positions at other Utz facilities. The phasing out of manufacturing operations at the Grand Rapids location is expected to commence in August 2025.
Operational Adjustments and Financial Performance
Utz Brands acquired the Grand Rapids facility in 2021 through a deal worth $41 million with Great Lakes Festida Holdings Inc. The plant specializes in producing popular snack items, including On The Border tortilla chips and TGI Fridays snacks. The closure aligns with Utz’s overall supply chain transformation plan, which is projected to yield approximately 6% productivity savings for the company.
Despite the impending closure, Utz has reported positive financial results in its recent second-quarter earnings report. The company noted a 2.9% year-over-year increase in net sales, totaling $366.7 million. Additionally, organic net sales within the branded salty snacks segment rose by 5.4%, contributing to the overall positive sales figures. These financial outcomes underscore the company’s continued market viability, even as it restructures its operations.
Future Production Plans
In light of the closure, Utz plans to allocate a greater portion of production volume to larger and more efficient facilities located across the U.S., specifically in Washington, Arizona, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania. This strategy aims to enhance overall operational efficiency and meet consumer demand more effectively.
Employment and Economic Context
The closure of the Grand Rapids facility comes amidst concerning trends of job losses in the manufacturing sector, both in Grand Rapids and throughout Michigan. Local economic experts have noted the broader uncertainty affecting the manufacturing landscape, which has been further exacerbated by recent layoffs.
Regardless of the facility’s closure, Utz continues to market and distribute its snacks under various brand names. The company remains committed to maintaining its presence in the snacks market, indicating an ongoing focus on growth and innovation despite the operational changes.
The Grand Rapids manufacturing facility is situated at 219 Canton St. SW, near Buchanan Avenue. As the closure date approaches, stakeholders and employees alike will be closely monitoring the unfolding situation and its implications for the local economy.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Grand Rapids to Lose Utz Brands Manufacturing Facility
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
- MSN: Utz to Close Grand Rapids Manufacturing Facility
- FoodBev: Utz Brands to Close Grand Rapids Facility in 2026
- WZZM13: Grand Rapids Utz Location to Close in 2026
- MLive: Snack Maker to Close Grand Rapids Facility, Cut 75 Jobs
- Wikipedia: Utz Brands
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.
