Utz Brands (known for its pretzels, chips, and other salty snacks) has confirmed plans to permanentlyclose its Grand Rapids, Michigan snack manufacturing facility, effective in a little over a month. The facility was the sole manufacturing site in Michigan, and the change will impact 75 workers who will be laid off.
The pursuit of optimization
The Hanover, Pennsylvania-based company announced the shutdown as part of a broader supply-chain optimization strategy aimed at reducing costs and consolidating production into larger, more efficient plants. (We’ve been hearing the term ‘optimization’ with a lot of manufacturing plant closures recently…)
According to a formal WARN notice filed with Michigan labor officials, Utz will begin permanently closing its Grand Rapids facility “on or around January 30, 2026”. Warehouse operations are expected to be completely ceased by May 26, 2026.
The closure will affect about 75 employees, whom Utz executives says are being encouraged to apply for positions at other facilities within the company. Transition assistance, including severance and job search support, will be offered.
Downsizing primary manufacturing facilities
In a company statement, Utz CEO Howard Friedman said, “While these types of decisions are never easy, they are necessary steps to streamline our operations and strengthen our supply chain for the long-term.”…