Cargill to close Milwaukee ground beef plant, eliminate 221 jobs
The move is part of wider workforce reductions across North America.
USA – Cargill announced in a WARN notice that it plans to close its ground beef and beef products facility at 200 S. Emmber Ln., affecting 221 employees.
The company said the closure, expected to be complete by the end of May, is intended to align its operations with current customer demand and prioritize investment in other facilities.
Cargill confirmed that ground beef production from the Milwaukee plant will be redirected to its other North American locations, including the nearby Butler, Wisconsin plant.
In a statement, Cargill said it is committed to supporting impacted workers during the transition but did not provide details on severance or transition packages.
The closure follows Cargill’s 2014 shutdown of a slaughterhouse near the Potawatomi Casino Hotel and a research and development center, which together eliminated roughly 600 jobs.
Potawatomi acquired the properties for US$6.3 million in 2015, cleared the site, and in 2024 used the former slaughterhouse area as an outdoor concert venue.
Mayor Cavalier Johnson described the Milwaukee plant closure as the end of an era and said his office is coordinating with Employ Milwaukee to assist displaced workers.
Cargill recently confirmed staff reductions and the shutdown of its hydro plant at its Owensboro, Kentucky facility, though the company has not disclosed the total number of affected employees.
The Owensboro Times asked Cargill about the number of layoffs, severance, and timing, but the company declined to provide specifics.
Sara Ragaller, Cargill’s Director of Reputation Management for Ag & Trading, said the workforce adjustments and plant closure reflect evolving business needs and a long-term strategy.
Ragaller added that the hydro plant changes are part of a production restructuring to meet customer requirements while emphasizing care for affected employees.
She also noted that Owensboro will remain a central hub for Cargill operations and that the company continues to engage with the local community.
Confidential sources indicated that approximately 18 positions were impacted at Owensboro, though Cargill has not confirmed this number or offered details on severance or timing.
The recent regional job reductions follow a December 2024 global restructuring in which Cargill said it would cut roughly 5 percent of its workforce, or about 8,000 positions worldwide.
Cargill acquired Owensboro Grain in early 2023, with integration leader Don Camden stating the deal would preserve operations and culture while expanding the company’s global reach.
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