Monterey Gourmet Foods to close plant in Eugene OR

Monterey Gourmet Foods plans to close its Eugene OR plant September 4, 2009. The plant, which has 25 employees, manufactures products under the Emerald Valley Kitchen label.

A maker of fresh gourmet and organic refrigerated products, Monterey Gourmet Foods intends to transfer Emerald Valley Kitchen operations to its Kent WA plant to boost efficiencies. Options for the Eugene site’s employees include transfers, severance pay, and employment counseling.

In a news release, Eric Eddings, chief executive officer of Monterey Gourmet Foods, said, “This was a very difficult decision because it affects the lives of our people, their families, and the community. We want to thank our employees at the facility for their hard work, dedication, loyalty, and many years of service.”

Monterey Gourmet Foods, which recently observed its 20th anniversary, also has a plant in Salinas CA that employs about 230 and produces sauces, pastas, and seasonal tamales. This plant is unaffected by the Oregon closure.