Global food processor Cargill will close Ferndale plant in November, then demolish facility
Cargill, a family-owned company working to “provide food, ingredients, agricultural solutions and industrial products to nourish the world in a safe, responsible and sustainable way,” is closing its plant in Ferndale, according to a news release.
Cargill was started in Iowa in 1865 and currently operates in 70 countries. The company works with farms to raise animals, store, process and transport food, and work with manufactures to add commodities into food products for preservation.
The company announced the Ferndale plant closure in a news release Monday, Oct. 28.
“After 88 years of operation in Ferndale, Wa., Cargill has made the tough decision to permanently stop production at its Ferndale Animal Nutrition site mid-November due to the number of upgrades and investments needed to modernize the facility,” the news release states.
“Making decisions like this are always tough as the Ferndale Animal Nutrition & Health team is like family,” said Gerry Albus, dairy feed operations lead for Cargill Animal Nutrition & Health, North America. “We are thankful for the unwavering commitment of our employees and the ongoing support of the community for so many years. Servicing our dairy industry customers with high quality products and service will continue, just through a different, but trusted, facility,” the news release states.
Through the closure, 12 Ferndale residents will lose their jobs, according to an email from Kelly Sheehan, Cargill’s media relations director. Cargill is also working with employees to find employment for them at other Cargill facilities, according to the news release.
Once the plant is closed, it will be demolished, and the ownership of the land will be retained by Burlington Northern Railway, the news release states.
“Upon closing, Cargill Ferndale customers will receive Cargill feed products through Cargill’s Granger, Wa. animal feed facility or EPL Feed LLC in Suma, Wa,” the news release states.
No official closing date or demolition date has been set for the plant at 5744 Third Ave.
This story was originally published October 29, 2024 at 1:07 PM.
