May 19, 2006 9:05 AM, from staff and wire reports

Kraft Foods Inc plans to shut its Rupert ID cheese plant at the end of 2006, which means layoffs for about 140 employees. Production of the firm's cream and string cheese will be transferred to plants in Missouri, New York, and Wisconsin.

Workers at Rupert will receive separation benefits, including severance pay based on time of service, company-paid benefits for six months after the final day of work, and outplacement benefits.

After production stops in Rupert, Kraft intends to sell the plant, which has been operating since 1935.