The Associated Press reported that Sara Lee Corp., Downers Grove, Ill., plans by March 30 to close a meat plant in Shannon, Miss. The operation employs about 155 people and produces Bryan Smokies cocktail sausages. AP quoted Mike Cummins, director of corporate communications, who said Sara Lee is consolidating resources and simplifying operations. It plans to shift production to other plants in Claryville, Ky., and St. Joseph, Mo.

Dawn Food Products, Jackson, Mich., expects in March to close three bakeries in Modesto, Calif., according to a report in the Modesto (Calif.) Bee. The newspaper said the facilities -- previously owned by Bunge Foods -- employ about 265 workers. They produce frozen cakes, cake mixes and dry-mix bakery products. Dawn officials told the paper the closures are part of a plan for "enhancing manufacturing operations and increasing efficiency."