On the heels of Del Monte Foods’ acquisition of Sager Creek Vegetable Co., Siloam Springs, Ark., the San Francisco-based fruit and vegetable processor announced plans to consolidate its Pulaski, Wis., vegetable processing operation. Del Monte will be closing the Sager Creek plant and moving production to other Sager Creek and Del Monte-owned vegetable production facilities. Del Monte will also be closing the warehousing and labeling facilities located in Oconto Falls, Wis. Both moves are expected to be complete by mid-June.

“We thank the employees of these facilities for their efforts, and the community of Pulaski for its support of Sager Creek,” says Dave Withycombe, chief operations officer, Del Monte Foods. “This decision was difficult, but will ultimately allow Del Monte to maintain a strong grower and manufacturing presence in Wisconsin.”

The Pulaski plant has been producing corn, green bean and pea products for Allens/Sager Creek since 2003. Del Monte intends to continue sourcing these vegetables from the Wisconsin growing region and continue its long-standing partnerships with growers in the region.

“My sincere thanks to our dedicated employees for their commitment to excellence and their contribution to manufacturing high-quality vegetables sourced from America's farmers,” says Mike Zelkind, president, Sager Creek.

The consolidation impacts approximately 27 full-time employees and 200 seasonal workers in Pulaski, as well as 14 employees in Oconto Falls.