In a move that spells significant change for workers and the poultry industry in Turlock, Foster Farms is set to lay off over 500 of its employees as it shuts down a turkey processing plant in the area, a decision confirmed by the company to multiple news outlets. Operations at the Turlock facility are scheduled to cease on May 9, however, Foster Farms maintains that this closure will not affect its other operations within the Central Valley, as mentioned in reports by ABC10.
The layoffs come after Atlas Holdings acquired the company from the Foster family around two and a half years earlier, a company representative said while also stating that Foster Farms will "continue to have a significant presence in the Central Valley," including maintaining operations at its cooked poultry facility based in Turlock, as reported by FOX40.com. Impacted employees have been offered the option to transfer to available positions at other company facilities within the region, while Foster Farms CEO Jayson Penn expressed appreciation for the affected team members, stating, "We recognize that this decision impacts the lives of many of our committed team members and does not reflect their efforts," and continuing, "We thank the team for their contributions, hard work, and ongoing dedication as we support them throughout this transition,” according to a statement obtained by ABC10.
Turlock city officials are offering support to employees affected by the Foster Farms closure. Mayor Amy Bublak praised the company's efforts to help workers find new jobs or transfers, and City Councilmember Rebecka Monez expressed her sympathy, saying the city is committed to exploring all options to assist the impacted workers. Both leaders emphasized the community's resilience during this tough time.
Foster Farms is closing a facility due to changes in market demand and its business strategy, leaving 519 employees facing job loss or the need to relocate within the company. The CEO acknowledged these shifts in a statement, reflecting broader changes in the Central Valley's industry. For updates, check out reports from ABC10 and FOX40.com.
