Leprino Foods, the largest mozzarella producer globally, is set to close its east processing plant in Lemoore, California, by early 2026, affecting over 300 jobs. The announcement was made at the end of 2024 to allow employees time to seek new employment. Factors influencing the closure include the facility’s age, high operational costs in California, and the opening of a new plant in Lubbock, Texas, which can handle over 500,000 gallons of milk daily. The Lemoore plant has operated since 1910, although Leprino acquired it in the 1980s. Despite this closure, the West Plant in Lemoore will remain open. The layoffs began with notices filed in late 2024. Local reactions highlight the significant impact of the job loss, with former employees noting the plant’s high-paying positions in the Valley.
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