AM I NEXT? NO LOVE AT AMY'S KITCHEN

Petaluma, California-based Amy's Kitchen, a manufacturer of organic and non-GMO convenience and frozen foods, has announced a restructuring plan and cost-cutting initiative.

The restructuring will impact 15% of the company's workforce, or 311 employees, including managers, clerical staff, assembly line employees, and remote workers located in Petaluma and Santa Rosa, California facilities.

President Paul Schiefer noted, “We have a loyal and incredible workforce. That’s what makes this so hard, and it should be hard. We don’t make these decisions lightly. This is absolutely the outcome that, if we could have avoided, we would have. It’s heartbreaking and sad.

Change is coming. There will always be a tomorrow, no matter how much you may try to ignore it. There are no guarantees in life or promises for a bright future. We see good people being laid off through no fault of their own. Just because something terrible hasn't happened yet doesn't mean it won't. It can happen to anyone, anytime, anywhere. No one is guaranteed to wake up tomorrow and still have a job by evening. While many employees can read the writing on the wall, why do most assume it’s targeted at someone else? Are you now wondering, Am I Next?

AM I NEXT? NO LOVE AT TROPICALE FOODS

Ontario, California-based Tropicale Foods, a specialty ice cream company focusing on Mexican-inspired ice cream that combines fresh fruit with ice pops, has announced the closure of its Modesto, California plant and transfer operations to its existing facilities in Lubbock, Texas, and Ontario, California.

The closure will impact 290 employees commencing on July 19, 2024.

According to a company spokesperson, “Tropicale is committed to treating its employees with dignity and respect throughout this process, and, in addition to required legal notices, will provide certain separation benefits and assistance as they transition to other opportunities. Tropicale is proud of the work done by its employees at the Modesto plant, many of whom were instrumental in building its iconic Hispanic brand.”

It is unknown whether or not the closure was linked to a March 30, 2024 FDA BULLETIN: "Tropicale Foods Recalls Helados Mexico Mini Cream Variety Pack Because of Possible Health Risk (Salmonella)." Note: The recall was voluntary.

Change is coming. There will always be a tomorrow, no matter how much you may try to ignore it. There are no guarantees in life or promises for a bright future. We see good people being laid off through no fault of their own. Just because something bad hasn't happened yet doesn't mean it won't. It can happen to anyone, anytime, anywhere. No one is guaranteed to wake up tomorrow and still have a job by evening. Are you now wondering, Am I Next?

AM I NEXT? NO LOVE AT JOHNSONVILLE

Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin-based Johnsonville, a food manufacturer specializing in sausages, has announced the closure of its Meadowside fully-cooked sausage plant in Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin, by the end of 2024. Layoffs will commence in June 2024.

The closure will impact 390 Meadowside employees. The decision was driven by the acquisition of Salm Partners of Denmark, Wisconsin which produces fully-cooked ready-to-eat sausage products in their two plants. Meadowside production will be shifted to the Denmark, Wisconsin location.

According to CEO Don Fussner, While this acquisition is key to the long-term success of our RTE sausage business – and the larger fully cooked sausage category in general – it’s not lost on us how a plant closing is distressing for our Members to hear. We value their contributions and expertise, and we are working diligently to retain as many of our valued Members as we can in other roles here in Sheboygan Falls and across our manufacturing network. In addition, those employees who remain with Johnsonville through June will receive a stay-on bonus. Johnsonville will also work to retain as many employees as possible in its Sheboygan Falls production positions – and across its other production facilities – when Meadowside production ceases."

Change is coming. There will always be a tomorrow, no matter how much you may try to ignore it. There are no guarantees in life or promises for a bright future. We see good people being laid off through no fault of their own. Just because something bad hasn't happened yet doesn't mean it won't. It can happen to anyone, anytime, anywhere. No one is guaranteed to wake up tomorrow and still have a job by evening. Are you now wondering, Am I Next?