Dutch drinks group Refresco will “discontinue” manufacturing operations at a beverage facility in the US.
In a filing with Washington state on 3 March, Refresco said the decision to close the facility in Walla Walla was taken after “careful consideration” and a “thorough evaluation”.
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The beverage company will also shut the warehouses linked to the facility.
The filing indicates the move will affect 58 employees.
Just Drinks has contacted Refresco to ask what products were made at the Walla Walla plant and the reasons behind the closure.
The move follows Refresco’s agreement last month to buy US food-and-beverage group SunOpta to bolster its business in the plant-based drinks market.
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By GlobalDataAt the time, Refresco CEO Steve Presley described SunOpta as “an exceptional strategic addition to our portfolio”.
SunOpta, listed in the US and Canada, makes beverages, broths and snacks.
Both companies operate with co-manufacturing at the core of their business models.
According to Refresco’s 2024 annual report, the company has more than 30 facilities in North America.
That year saw the group add to its presence in the region with the acquisition of California-based VBC Bottling Company to bolster its position on the West Coast of the US.
The business, however, closed two sites in the country two years ago.
Refresco said it intends to cease manufacturing at the Walla Walla plant on or about 2 May.
Around 45 days after production stops, the plant and the associated warehouse operations will close.
Equipment decommissioning is expected to continue until on or about 26 June.
The filing states the closure will be “permanent”.
“Employees at the facility and warehouses are not represented by a Union and bumping rights do not exist,” the statement read.
