What’s Happening: Land O’Frost Inc., headquartered in Munster, Indiana, has announced the upcoming closure of its manufacturing facility located on the far South Side of Chicago. The closure, set to begin in mid-June, will result in the loss of approximately 215 jobs. The company has officially notified the state of Illinois through a federal layoff notification.
Details of the Closure: The facility in question, situated in the Pullman neighborhood, primarily produces items under the DaBecca Natural Foods brand, which includes a variety of beef, turkey, and pork products. This decision follows Land O’Frost’s acquisition of DaBecca in 2022. The plant shares its location with at least three other food companies, including Dutch Farms Inc., according to the Commercial Real Estate Exchange Inc. website.
Company Statement: In a statement released to Meatingplace, Land O’Frost explained the rationale behind the closure: “After careful consideration, we have decided to transition our portfolio of products currently produced at the Pullman facility to other locations within our manufacturing network. This move will unfortunately lead to the gradual elimination of all positions at the Pullman site throughout the year.”
Impact on Employees: The company has committed to providing affected employees with comprehensive severance packages, which include benefits assistance. “This was an incredibly difficult decision to make, given its impact on a group of dedicated team members,” the company stated. “We are confident that consolidating operations will enhance our ability to serve our customers effectively and maintain our standard of excellence.”
About Land O’Frost: Known for its sliced packaged lunchmeats, hot dogs, sausages, bacon, and spiral ham, Land O’Frost distributes its products under a half-dozen brand names, catering to both retail and foodservice channels. The strategic consolidation of operations is seen as a step to streamline processes and improve product delivery.
