Sacramento-based Blue Diamond Growers is set to phase out its historic Midtown processing plant, transferring core almond operations to Turlock and Salida facilities over the next 18 to 24 months. The C Street facility, operational for over a century, will see its activities moved, as newer sites offer increased efficiency.
Company executives indicate this transition aligns production closer to many grower-members, though the aging C Street location has been pivotal since Blue Diamond's inception 115 years ago. The operational shift will affect employee dynamics significantly, with 600 positions phased out. Initial layoffs, approximately 10%, are expected later this year, set in stages.
Provisions for affected personnel include transition incentives and severance packages, with relocation opportunities available for Turlock and Salida. Blue Diamond's corporate activities will continue in Sacramento.
Source: AgNet West