WEST LIBERTY, IOWA – Meat producer West Liberty Foods recently announced that it plans to eliminate 260 production jobs at its West Liberty, Iowa facility.

The company will wind down its ready-to-eat slicing operations at the West Liberty plant and the second shift log fabrication operation starting on April 29. Layoffs will occur in four stages in April, May, June and November.

“As a resident of this community, the decision to reduce production capacity in West Liberty was difficult and painful,” said Brandon Achen, president and chief executive officer of West Liberty Foods. “We value the contributions of all our team members and deeply regret the need for layoffs. We are committed to connecting each affected person with new employment opportunities and support.”

The company added that it would offer those employees reassignment opportunities within West Liberty and provide on-site reemployment and support services.

According to the email from West Liberty Foods, the slicing operations for the company will move to the Bolingbrook, III., facility in response to a rapid growth in demand for ready-to-eat sandwiches.

West Liberty added that the decision would not impact its turkey harvesting and first-shift log fabrication operation in West Liberty.

The company currently employs about 865 people at the West Liberty plant.

In November 2023, the company confirmed that it would lay off more than 50 employees in overhead and support positions.