Cargill Protein has temporarily suspended operations at its case-ready meat plant in Hazleton, Pennsylvania.
The facility, which employs about 900 people, and the company stated that the decision was made with the goal of keeping the workers healthy. The Hazleton community has already “been greatly impacted by COVID-19,” a Cargill spokesman said.
“As we continue to prioritize the health and safety of Cargill employees, we have decided to temporarily close our Hazleton case-ready protein plant. This will allow us to minimize the impact of COVID-19 and continue follow health department guidelines. This was a difficult decision for our team, but our values are guiding our actions, said Jon Nash, Cargill Protein – North America lead.
The company has not announced an anticipated date the facility will reopen. Nash said production in Hazleton will resume “as soon as it is safe to do so.”
Nash said the company has taken extra steps to focus on safety while letting its employees and the public know that Cagrill cares. The company has offered temporary wage increases and bonuses and has waived co-pays for COVID-19 testing.
“Our employees are heroes every day on the front lines of the food system. While this location is closed and we adapt to operating during a pandemic, our work doesn’t stop. Cargill provides an essential service to the world—providing the ingredients, feed and food that nourishes people and animals. We are working with farmers and ranchers, our customers and our employees to supply food in this time of crisis and keep markets moving,” said Nash.
The Cargill Protein business segment -- headquartered in Wichita, Kansas -- includes all of Cargill’s North American beef, turkey, foodservice and food distribution businesses, according to the company’s website. Cargill, which is the third largest turkey company in the United States, opened its new North American Protein headquarters in 2018.
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