The winds of change sweep through Dunedin in Tampa Bay as Coca-Cola announces the impending closure of its plant, leaving nearly 200 employees uncertain about their future. This decision, revealed through a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act notice, marks a significant shift for both the company and the local community.
FLORIDA: Coca-Cola to close Dunedin plant, lay off nearly 200 workers https://t.co/EQiFOLsKr0
— LayoffsNews (@LayoffsN) February 13, 2024
The notice states the San Christopher Drive plant will close on May 31, with layoffs beginning April 5. Employees received notification of the closure in February. 5 and will continue to receive updates as additional information becomes available.
Although the notice did not explicitly state the reason for the closure, its impact on the affected workers is evident. Some employees will remain employed temporarily after the closure to assist with administrative tasks related to the shutdown.
In a statement to WFLA.com, a Coca-Cola spokesperson shed light on the transition, indicating that all volume for the plant will be transferred to a local third-party co-packer, Peace River Citrus. The transition, initially announced in early 2020, is slated for completion by July 2024.
The closure comes amid broader changes within Coca-Cola’s operations and outlook. Despite exceeding Wall Street expectations for fourth-quarter revenue, the company anticipates growth slowing as recent price hikes lose their effect.
