Conagra Brands' federal WARN notice says 435 workers in two job groups will lose their jobs when the company closes its Macon plant, though the notice's total line reads 442. The state's Rapid Response team is expected in Macon this week, according to Macon County Economic Development.
Chariton Media Group first reported the closing Monday in "Conagra Brands to close Macon plant Jan. 15." Conagra told employees Monday it intends to close the plant Jan. 15, 2027.
The notice, dated Nov. 9 and provided Monday by the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development, says Conagra will close the manufacturing facility at 204 Vine St. in its entirety and that the closing is expected to be permanent. Employee separations are expected during a 14-day period beginning Jan. 15, 2027, according to the notice.
The notice lists 388 production, maintenance, and truck driver jobs and 47 management and administrative jobs. Those two groups add to 435, but the notice gives a total of 442 and does not explain the difference. Production, maintenance, and truck driver employees are represented by unions; management and administrative employees are not, the notice says. It names Teamsters Local 688 and United Food and Commercial Workers Local 2 as the unions for the bargaining-unit workers and lists Rachel Dawson, an HR manager, as the company contact for further information.
Tracy Whitney, director of Macon County Economic Development, said his office heard from Conagra and the state on Monday. "Yes, we were contacted today, November 9 by Conagra Email that the plant will be closing in its entirety," Whitney wrote. He added: "Yes, we have been contacted by the State of Missouri on a rapid response team meeting here in Macon."
Asked what the loss means for Macon and the county, Whitney wrote: "Production Employees 388 Management 47." Those counts match the WARN notice's 388 and 47. The notice's labels are broader: production, maintenance, and truck driver for the 388, and management and administrative for the 47. Whitney did not give a combined total.
Asked whether his office is working with the state or other partners to help workers or find a new employer for the site, Whitney wrote: "Yes, the state will be here this week and we are trying to make an appointment to visit management of Conagra."
On whether state incentives tied to Conagra's 2025 expansion, including Missouri Works, will be affected, Whitney wrote: "I have not looked into those state incentives yet but they will be in town this week for us to discuss that issue and others."
Heather Dolce, assistant commissioner for communications and outreach at the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development, attached the WARN notice in an email to Chariton Media Group. "I do not have specific details to share about meetings or events with our Rapid Response team at this time, but I will be happy to follow up should that information become available," Dolce wrote.
"Impacted employees can also reach out to their local Missouri Job Center to get one-on-one assistance with searching for a job, building a resume, preparing for an interview, or exploring training opportunities," Dolce wrote. The department also lists Rapid Response information for workers on its JobsMoGov site.
Danielle Smith, who handles Rapid Response for the state, was out of the office Monday, according to an automatic reply.
The federal Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act requires 60 days' notice before a covered plant closing. Jan. 15 is 67 days after Nov. 9.
Presiding Commissioner Dean Still and the City of Macon, including Mayor James Holman and Interim City Administrator Mary Lou Craigg, did not respond by Monday afternoon.