Vending

Campbell closing oldest manufacturing plant, impacting 326 workers

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January 14, 2021

Campbell Soup Co. will close a 94-year-old manufacturing facility in Columbus, Georgia by Spring 2022, according to a press release. The plant, the company's oldest, employs 326 workers in the production of candy, crackers, cookies, nuts and bars.

The Columbus plant was acquired in 2018 as part of Campbell's acquisition of Snyder's-Lance. Campbell plans to operate the Columbus facility for up to 18 months and will shut it down in phases. All impacted employees will receive severance or separation packages, as well as career counseling and transition support.

The age of the plant, and the reduced consumer demand for non-core products made at Columbus, were key factors in deciding to close the plant, according to the release. Campbell will phase out candy production under the Lance brand and shift production of its higher demand Lance, Emerald and Late July snacks across the division's manufacturing network.

The Columbus operation is formerly known as Tom's Foods and was acquired by Lance in 2005. Founded in 1927 by Tom Huston, the Columbus plant had several ownership changes throughout its history.