Apr 20, 2011 10:32 AM

Pinnacle Foods Group LLC plans to further improve the efficiency and sustainability of its supply chain. The company will be consolidating its Birds Eye brand’s Fulton NY plant operations into its Darien WI and Waseca MN facilities, which will locate all vegetable processing closer to the crop growing region. This will eliminate approximately one million shipping miles every year.

“The decision to close the Fulton NY facility was made after a thorough analysis of all options,” said Daryl Pike, senior vice-president of operations, Birds Eye Frozen Division, Pinnacle Foods Group. “The analysis determined this as the most efficient, sustainable way to operate. We are grateful for the services of our employees in Fulton and are committed to treating them with fairness and respect as we transition the facility this year.”

The Fulton facility will be closing at the end of 2011.

By announcing the closing now, Pinnacle Foods provides all Fulton employees with more than the legally required 90-day notice period, and provides most of those employees affected with more than six months’ notice. The company will work with the state and local workforce agencies to assist dislocated workers and provide professional career support services. Qualified employees will have the opportunity to apply for open positions at other Pinnacle Foods facilities. Additionally, Pinnacle Foods will meet with the union officials at the plant to discuss details of the transition.

In the Darien and Waseca plants, Pinnacle Foods will be investing significant capital to increase capacity and upgrade manufacturing capabilities, which will also result in the creation of new jobs in those regions. This consolidation is contingent upon the final approval of applicable state and local incentives in both Wisconsin and Minnesota.

Visit www.pinnaclefoods.com for more information.