Bob Evans Farms Inc. says it will close two food production plants in Ohio next year and beef up its production at a Texas facility.
The Ohio-based restaurant and food company plans to shut down plants in Springfield and Bidwell in southern Ohio next summer as it focuses on convenience foods, packaged side dishes and other higher-growth opportunities.
The move will mean over 50 jobs lost in Springfield and will affect about 110 employees overall. The company says it will try to place some of them in other jobs with Bob Evans.
The company will consolidate the Ohio plants with a transportation center from Michigan into a new facility in Springfield. It's also investing 23 million dollars or more to add lines and boost production of ready-to-eat foods at a facility in Texas.
Chairman and CEO Steve Davis says Bob Evans remains committed to investing and growing in its home state.
The Springfield News Sun reports that reaction is mixed in Springfield. Some officials expressed disappointment to the news, while others say that new people coming to the area will bring an economic benefit.