Vlasic Consolidates Pickle Operations

Vlasic Foods International will consolidate production at its Bridgeport, MI, seasonal pickle plant into its nearby Imlay City, MI, facility. This action is the result of excess capacity in the company's pickle manufacturing system and a company-wide program designed to reduce costs and increase asset utilization.

The closing of the Bridgeport facility will be completed by the end of January 1999. More than 90% of the workers from the facility will be offered opportunities for employment at the Imlay City plant, 60 miles away. The 200,000 sqft Bridgeport plant, which began operations in 1915, currently employs about 25 people -- and an additional 375 person seasonal workforce during the summer months.

Mark McCallum, president -- Grocery Products division at Vlasic Foods International said, "Recent capital investments in our Imlay City facility have significantly expanded our total system. Manufacturing currently handled by three plants can very easily be consolidated in two facilities."