Campbell Soup Co. to shutter 94-year-old Georgia snacks factory
Source Campbell Soup Co.
The Campbell Soup Co. said it is closing its manufacturing facility in Columbus, Georgia. The plant employs 326 individuals in the production of candy, crackers, cookies, nuts and bars. Campbell said the closure comes after a careful review of its snacks division’s manufacturing operations. The plant is scheduled to close by Spring 2022 and 326 will be affected.
Opened in 1927 by Tom Huston, founder of Tom’s Foods, the plant had several owners throughout its history. In 2005 it was acquired by Lance. In 2018, Snyder’s-Lance was acquired by Campbell, which took over the plant.
The age of the plant and reduced consumer demand for non-core products made at there were key factors in deciding to close the plant, Campbell said. Campbell will phase out of the production of candy under the Lance brand and will shift production of its higher-demand Lance, Emerald and Late July snacks across the division’s manufacturing network.
Campbell Snacks is the snacking division of the Campbell Soup Co.. The snacks portfolio features such iconic brands as Cape Cod potato chips, Farmhouse bread and cookies, Goldfish crackers, Kettle Brand potato chips, Lance sandwich crackers, Late July snacks, Milano cookies, Pretzel Crisps and Snyder’s of Hanover pretzels, among other.