Conagra says it has decided to close or sell its tomato processing facility in Dresden, and will shut the plant in mid- to late 2027 if a sale is not completed.
In a statement, Conagra spokesperson Dan Hare said the U.S.-based company is in discussions with Highbury Canco about a potential sale of the business.
“After a careful review, Conagra has made the decision to close or sell its facility in Dresden, Ontario, and the associated brands and private label business. Conagra is currently in discussions with Highbury Canco about a potential transaction to sell the business. If an agreement to sell the business is not completed, then Conagra will close the facility in mid- to late 2027.”
Lambton-Kent-Middlesex MPP Steve Pinsonneault says he has contacted the province about the potential closure, which he says would have a significant impact on the community and the surrounding agricultural sector.
In a statement sent to the Sydenham Current, Pinsonneault said he reached out to the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade as soon as he learned of the company’s plans, to raise concerns and explore what support may be available.
“The potential closure of the Conagra tomato processing facility in Dresden would have a significant impact on the local community and surrounding agricultural sector. Upon learning of the company’s plans, I immediately contacted the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation, and Trade to raise these concerns and explore what support may be available.”
Pinsonneault said the effects would reach well beyond the plant itself.
“I understand the potential consequences extend well beyond the facility itself. Local tomato growers, employees, suppliers, and other businesses all have a stake in its future, and the effects would be felt throughout the community.”
He said he has made the province aware of the potential impact and will keep monitoring the situation, but that the decision rests with the company.
“I have made the province aware of the potential impact and will continue to monitor the situation as it develops. Because this is a private-sector business matter, the decision regarding the facility’s operations rests with the company.”
Conagra Brands is headquartered in Chicago. Its brands include Hunt’s, Healthy Choice, Orville Redenbacher’s, Marie Callender’s, Slim Jim, Angie’s Boomchickapop and VH.
A 2024 report citing the company’s website said it operated 42 facilities and employed about 18,000 people. The company reported $12.3 billion US in sales in one recent fiscal year, according to an industry news report. Canada and Mexico are the only two markets outside the United States where the company has plants, according to that report.
The Dresden plant, which was built in the 1940s, became part of Conagra’s Canadian operations when the company, then known as ConAgra Foods, agreed in 2012 to acquire Toronto-based Del Monte Canada. The deal included the Dresden manufacturing facility and the Aylmer tomato products.
The plant produces Aylmer, Hunt’s and Rotel products, including whole tomatoes, tomato sauce and tomato paste.
Currently, the plant employs around 200 people, plus approximately 200 seasonal workers, reports say.
* This story has been updated.
