Coca-Cola, the beverage company, is set to close one of its manufacturing plants in Dunedin, Florida, in May this year. The move will impact 198 employees working in the plant.
As per the company’s announcement, all the production at the Dunedin Plant will be redirected to a local third-party co-packer, Peace River Citrus. Additionally, the Florida Commerce website posted a WARN notice on 6 February which states that the facility at 427 Christopher Drive will conclude its operations on 31 May, 2024.
The termination of positions and jobs will begin on 5 April, 2024. The communication also indicates that employees were given a 60-day notice of the closure on 5 February, 2024.
However, as per some media sources, while the majority of employees will be laid off, some may have the option to stay temporarily to assist with administrative tasks related to the closure.
As per the company, the decision to close, announced in early 2020, is aimed at consolidation of operations with Peace River. The same will be finalised by July 2024. Despite the gravity of such choices, the company believes that Peace River possesses the requisite capabilities to sustainably support the production of Coca-Cola brands, fostering long-term growth.