Pinnacle Foods to shift EVOL frozen food production to Fayetteville facility in Arizona

US-based packaged foods company Pinnacle Foods plans to move the manufacture of EVOL frozen food to its existing facility in Fayetteville, Arizona.

The company said that the EVOL manufacturing site in Boulder, Colorado, has outgrown its current manufacturing capacity, and the Fayetteville location has the necessary capacity to accommodate the business.

Pinnacle Foods executive vice-president and chief supply chain officer Mike Wittman said: “While it's never an easy decision to close a manufacturing plant, this action will ensure the long-term success of the EVOL brand.

“We are thankful to the employees at the EVOL plant and value the many contributions they have made to the business.”

The company also said that certain products will be produced by strategic contract manufacturers with specialised capabilities.

Pinnacle anticipates the EVOL plant will close in the first quarter of next year.

The decision to move EVOL production will affect approximately 85 employees working at this facility.

Pinnacle intends to encourage employees to apply for open positions at its other facilities, including a nearby plant in Denver, Colorado.

The company will provide employee assistance support and career support services.

Employees will be notified before 60 days about the final closure of the plant.

Pinnacle plans to invest in the Fayetteville facility to boost the existing manufacturing capabilities and expects to hire approximately 25 full-time employees to support the added capacity.