Hershey to close Brookside Abbotsford factory with loss of 180 jobs

Around 180 jobs are to be cut due to the shutdown of the Hershey-owned Brookside Foods’ Abbotsford factory in Canada by the end of October.

Hershey acquired the Canadian confectionery company in 2011, as previously reported by this site. At the time, Hershey highlighted Brookside’s patented process for creating confectionery fillings based on fruit juice, saying the acquisition created an opportunity for Hershey to enter this category.

In a statement, Hershey said it will move 75% of Brookside production from its Abbotsford plant in British Columbia to the St. Hyacinthe plant in Quebec, and the remaining 25% to Robinson, Illinois.

“This decision was part of a comprehensive review of our manufacturing operations to find the most efficient and effective ways to manufacture Brookside products while continuing to meet consumer needs now and into the future,” the company said.

“We appreciate the outstanding work and dedication of the Abbotsford employees over the years,” it added. “Their efforts have contributed to making Brookside an international success. We recognize that this decision will impact employee’s lives and we are dedicated to easing the transition for displaced workers.”