Land O’Lakes says it will close its Denmark, Wisconsin, cheese plant, causing nearly 100 people to be out of work. Its semi-soft Italian cheeses aren’t profitable enough for the plant to stay open, the company said in a prepared statement, noting it has plans to expand its Kiel plant that makes cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses.
“Land O’Lakes would not say when the multi-million dollars high-tech upgrades to the Kiel plant would start, or if the workers from here in Denmark would be hired,” according to a report by FOX11 reporter, Kelly Schlicht.
One man close to retirement age, Rick Van Groll of Green Bay, told the news station that this would be the first time he’s looked for work since high school.
The layoffs will begin July 1, but Van Groll said he believes the impact could have a larger impact than on just those working at the plant.
The Minnesota-based cooperative said plans for its Kiel facility include new milk silos and cheese vats, reads an Associated Press article. PD
—Summarized by PD staff from cited sources
