Johnsonville Foods – commonly known as Momence Packing Company – closed its doors in Momence Monday. Reports of 274 employees were affected. The workers eliminated will get 60 day compensation pay.

Momence Packing has been around since 1962, producing Johnsonville products in 1995. Workers at the plant have been represented by United Food & Commercial Workers Local 1546.

Momence Mayor Chuck Steele said the sudden closure is a major blow to the community, especially since the former Gilster Mary Lee chocolate factory burned and then the company decided not to rebuild its Momence location.

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