Utz Brands acquired Grand Rapids-based tortilla and corn chip maker Festida Foods in 2021 in a $41 million deal.
Thursday company leaders announced Utz will close the facilities by early 2026, consolidating from eight plants to seven.
CEO Howard Friedman made the announcement in the Second Quarter earnings report.
“While it is never easy to close a plant, we believe this allows us to consolidate volume into our larger facilities and improve our transportation efficiency. While this strategic action required some accelerated capital spending in 2025, it will help position the business for long-term growth, margin improvement and continued geographic expansion.”
The Grand Rapids manufacturing plant is scheduled to close in January 2026, the warehouse in May.
Company leaders say impacted employees can apply for opportunities at other Utz facilities.
They will get “transition assistance” including on-site job fairs and severance pay if they can’t relocate.
