Aug 12, 2025Utz Brands closing Michigan manufacturing facility
Utz Brands is shuttering its Grand Rapids, Michigan processing facility, reducing its manufacturing footprint from eight to seven primary plants.
The company said in its second-quarter earnings report that the decision is expected to save money in the second half of 2025 — savings factored into a company goal of 6% productivity savings for the fiscal year.
The transition, beginning this month, will be completed by early 2026, the company said.
“The decision is a reflection of our commitment to operational excellence and ongoing transformation,” Utz CEO Harold Friedman said in the report. “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. We are deeply grateful for the contributions of our Grand Rapids team and are committed to supporting them through this transition.”
Affected associates will be encouraged to apply for opportunities at other Utz facilities and provided transition assistance, including on-site job fairs and severance pay, if they cannot relocate, according to the company.
The Grand Rapids facility was once part of Festida Foods, which manufactured tortilla chips for Utz. The snack maker and potato chip producer acquired the plant in May 2021 for $41 million.
