A series of new layoff notices is putting hundreds of Tennessee food manufacturing workers at risk, highlighting the ongoing challenges facing the industry. Three well-known food companies have now announced workforce reductions totaling 640 jobs, with layoffs scheduled to begin later this summer.
Three food companies account for 640 announced layoffs
According to recent Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) filings with the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development, JBS USA Food Company, Pilgrim’s Pride, and WK Kellogg Co. have all announced significant job cuts. The filings were submitted during June and outline layoffs that will affect facilities in Memphis and Chattanooga.
Pilgrim’s Pride plans to permanently close its Chattanooga operation, eliminating up to 348 jobs beginning September 25. In Memphis, JBS USA Food Company is set to permanently close its Empire Packing facility, affecting 208 workers beginning August 14. WK Kellogg Co. has also filed notice of a permanent layoff impacting 117 employees at its Memphis facility, with separations scheduled between August 7 and October 2.
Food manufacturers continue to adjust operations
The announcements come as food manufacturers continue to respond to changing consumer demand, rising operating costs,a and efforts to improve efficiency. While each company cited its own business reasons for the workforce reductions, the latest WARN filings reflect broader restructuring occurring across parts of the food and beverage sector.
Tennessee sees growing number of WARN notices
The food-sector layoffs also contribute to a growing number of WARN notices filed across Tennessee this year. State labor data show thousands of workers across multiple industries have been affected by announced layoffs and facility closures in 2026, with manufacturing accounting for a significant share of the total…