Amy’s Kitchen closing California plant

SANTA ROSA, CALIF. — Amy’s Kitchen, a manufacturer of convenient and frozen foods, is planning to close its Santa Rosa facility in phases.

Plans call for production to shift to the company’s facilities in Medford, Ore., and Pocatello, Idaho.

Approximately 260 roles will be eliminated as part of the transition, with 207 roles set to be cut at the Santa Rosa facility and about 51 roles eliminated in the Pocatello’s facility’s canning area.

Amy’s Kitchen said canning will be moved to the company’s Medford facility, which also will manufacture pizza, soup and burritos. The Pocatello facility will be the company’s designated entree facility.

The facility closing comes as the company said it is making changes to its manufacturing network so each facility can focus on the product categories where it is strongest.

“We looked at every alternative before landing here,” said Paul Schiefer, who was hired as chief executive officer of Amy’s Kitchen in April. “We have a loyal workforce in Santa Rosa, and we’re incredibly grateful for everything they’ve contributed.

“We know this decision has a very real impact on people we value. As we’ve grown, our manufacturing network has become more complex than our business needs today. Aligning our network around what each facility is best positioned to do is what keeps Amy’s operating efficiently for the long run, for our employees, our retailers, and the families who count on our food.”