https://abcnews.go.com/Health/wireStory/smithfield-foods-shutter-california-meat-packing-plant-85321387

Smithfield Foods to shutter California

meat-packing plant

Associated Press, by Staff

Posted By: NorthernDog, 6/11/2022 8:16:20 AM

VERNON, Calif. – Meat-packing giant Smithfield Foods said Friday it will close its only California plant next year, citing the escalating cost of doing business in the state. The Farmer John meat-packing plant in Vernon, an industrial suburb south of Los Angeles, will shut down in February, with its 1,800 employees receiving severance and job placement support along with bonuses for those who choose to stay on the job until the closure, said Jim Monroe, vice president of corporate affairs. (Snip) “Our utility costs in California are 3 1/2 times higher per head than our other locations where they do