Back in April it was published that Sargento Foods Inc. is closing their Bellingham facility. I am currently the quality supervisor for this plant and will also be losing my job. I wanted to share my account of this experience as the past few years have consisted of numerous articles documenting ruthless re-organizations and closures, but this has not been my experience.

The news of the closure was presented in person by the CEO Lou Gentine and his team. The difficulty of delivering this news was evident as the corporate team became emotional themselves. All employees in good standing were offered positions in Wisconsin, where the company is headquartered. They flew interested employees and their families for week-long paid trips to Wisconsin. The red carpet was rolled out and everyone who went had a great experience. All employees receive support via workshops, supplemental and/or severance pay, relocation assistance and benefits. Sargento has been forthright and communicative through out the entire process.

The end is eminent but Sargento has made the process almost painless. I really can't complain.

Kelly Tessitore

Bellingham