The Virginian-Pilot
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PORTSMOUTH
Dean Foods Co., citing efforts to hold down costs and bolster efficiency, said Monday that it will shut its Pet Dairy plant on Turnpike Road in August and let go of about 100 employees there.
The plant's production of milk, flavored milk, buttermilk and other items will be shifted to Pet facilities elsewhere, said Amber Seikaly, a Dean Foods spokeswoman. The company, she said, will assist employees who lose their jobs to search for new ones and will hire recruitment professionals to help.
Some employees, including Fresh Dairy Direct route sales drivers and some involved in shipping, won't be affected by the plant's closing, Dean Foods said.
Earlier this year, the giant food and dairy company announced plans to cut costs and streamline its manufacturing. The Dallas-based company said it was seeking $300 million of savings over three to five years.
Dean Foods said Monday that production at its Portsmouth plant will be phased out over the next 60 days and halted during the week of Aug. 10.
The announcement caught Portsmouth officials by surprise, said Stephen E. Heretick, a member of the City Council. The Pet plant, he said, "has not been one of the largest employers, but its employment has been stable."
Steven L. Lynch, the city's director of economic development, said he wanted to speak with plant officials before commenting on the impact of the closing.
Dean Foods said it plans to sell the Midtown facility, which was built in 1939 and expanded in 2000. The company's cooler was expanded three years ago.
The plant became part of Dean Foods' Dairy Group in December 2001 when it merged with then-owner Suiza Foods.
Dean Foods also announced Monday that it will close a Pet Dairy plant in Kingsport, Tenn., in early September. About 120 workers at the Kingsport facility are scheduled to lose their jobs, Seikaly said.
Tom Shean, (757) 446-2379, tom.shean@pilotonline.com
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Closing of Pet Dairy
I just got home from Florida and was told this was in the paper! I have worked at Pet Dairy off and on for more than 30 years. This is sad that this is happening this way! I have had the best bosses in the world over the years. Thank you Mr. Lawson, Andy and Doris! You all have touched my life in so many ways...This place is not just a job to go to but it is like a second home. I know the Lord has something else for each of us that will be affected!
The first and last job
Just wanted to say thanks for the very nice commets about my grandfather, mother and my aunts. It is true they have worked there long and hard for a long time. My family working there makes me proud to say they are my family, especially my grandpa, when I think about the word Pet I think about him. He was one of my heroes showing me how to be a hard worker and loyal to the things you do. I love you all and wish this day was not happening.
PET
Mr. Kelly passed away a few years ago and yes, his 3 daughters still work there - all hard working and dedicated individuals like their Dad. Having worked there for many years I am in complete shock hearing the news today. Many good people will now be unemployed and have to try and begin again - some have worked there for 30 years!! It's the end of an era. The larger PET plant is also closing in Kingsport TN - what a terrible loss and my question too .... where will they process all that milk?
Sad, sad thing to happen.
I remember going there on field trips when I was a child in the sixties. I worked for PET as a driver at one point years ago and know several people who have worked there for years. There was a Production Manager there that was one of the most dedicated people I've ever seen. Arnold Kelly was his name and if memory serves, he had several daughters that worked there also. I don't know if any of them are still there, but they were all very nice people. I wish them well.
100 jobs lost?
Will the displaced workers also be sent to other plants? And where are these other plants?
Dean Foods
Well, a quick look at their website revealed that today they announced their agreement to acquire Vandemoortele Group's Alpro Division. So I guess the answer to your question is Belgium.