In 2025, North Carolina’s food manufacturing sector saw a handful of significant plant closures, marking a challenging year for workers and communities tied to local food production. Among the most notable were the shutdown of a major baking facility in Greensboro and the unexpected closure of a snack food plant in Holly Ridge.
Panera Bread dough production facility – Greensboro
In Greensboro, Panera Bread announced the closure of its fresh-dough production facility, part of a broader strategic shift toward an “on-demand baking model.” The plant, which had supplied dough to Panera cafes across the region, ceased operations on May 21, 2025, resulting in the layoff of about 80 employees.
The company cited evolving operational needs and the expansion of outsourced third-party baking and distribution as key reasons for the shutdown. Workers affected by the closure were offered separation pay, health insurance assistance, and outplacement support.
J&J Snack Foods – Holly Ridge
Meanwhile, in Holly Ridge, the J&J Snack Foods manufacturing facility closed abruptly on July 31, 2025. The plant produced a range of handheld snack products (like soft pretzels, churros, and Icees), and its unexpected closure affected roughly 48 employees.
Local officials learned of the shutdown through community channels, and company representatives did not issue an immediate public statement explaining the decision. The closure was part of a broader corporate restructuring effort known as Project Apollo, under which J&J Snack Foods consolidated production by shuttering multiple facilities nationwide to improve efficiency.
Tyson downsizing – Wilkesboro
While not a full-blown facility closure, Tyson Foods’ large poultry processing complex in Wilkesboro, NC, has been undergoing ongoing reductions in staffing and shifts in production focus as part of a broader restructuring. The company has cut jobs and adjusted operations at this location since 2023, impacting at least 250 jobs, with some estimates pointing towards 500 total positions being impacted…