Utz Moves to Close Grand Rapids Snack Plant by Early 2026

A major snack manufacturer with facilities across the country has announced that it will close its Grand Rapids facility in 2026.

The closure comes as part of the company's plan to consolidate its operations and reduce costs.

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Utz Brands, Inc. has been operating a facility in Grand Rapids since 2021, when it acquired it from Festida Foods. The facility is located at 219 Canton St. SW in Grand Rapids.

READ MORE: 14 Iconic Michigan‑Made Foods You Should Try At Least Once

What Did Utz Brands Manufacture in Grand Rapids?

While it's unclear which of the Utz brands were manufactured at the Grand Rapids facility, the brands' portfolio of snacks includes products such as Utz chips and snacks (they have lemonade-flavored chips?!?), Zapp's chips and snacks, On the Border tortilla chips, and Hawaiian Brand chips.

When Will the Utz Manufacturing Facility in Grand Rapids Close?

In a statement on Utz's website, they state that the closure process is expected to begin in early August 2025. The closure is expected to be complete by "early 2026".

Utz CEO Howard Friedman said in the statement,

We are deeply grateful for the contributions of our Grand Rapids team and are committed to supporting them through this transition.

Employees at the Grand Rapids facility are "encouraged to apply for opportunities at other Utz facilities". However, it does not appear that there are any other Utz facilities in Michigan.

The company says that it will provide "transition assistance, including on-site job fairs and severance pay if they cannot relocate."