The union representing workers at two ConAgra Foods plants in western New York say the company plans to close the plants, a move that would put more than 400 people out of work. Representatives with the Service Employees International Union Local 266 say ConAgra will close its plants in Dunkirk and Fredonia. The more than 400 employees at the two plants were officially notified by the company this morning.
Union officials say the closings should be completed by February. Food production lines are expected to be moved to other locations.
Senator Charles Schumer weighed in on the news during a stop in West Seneca Wednesday, expressing his extreme displeasure.
"I am just furious about this closing," Schumer said.
"ConAgra bought this plant a year ago and in one year, they're announcing their closing. They say there's less demand for grape jelly and grape juice and grape products, but they would have known that a year ago. I want to know if they bought the plant just to close it to reduce competition. I am furious at this and I will be looking at every angle here."
Omaha, Nebraska-based ConAgra bought the two plants as part of its nearly $5 billion purchase of Ralcorp in November 2012.