Kerry Flavor Systems US LLC plans to close its Waukesha location and lay off about 40 employees.
The company, which manufactures paste and powder dairy flavors, will move production from the Waukesha facility to existing facilities in Owen and Jackson, said Jim Egan, vice president of communications at Kerry Ingredients and Flavours in Beloit.
“It is a consolidation of operations to make sure we’re utilizing our manufacturing footprint properly,” Egan said. “The primary advantage is to remain competitive in the marketplace.”
Tralee, Ireland-based Kerry Group has 24,000 employees worldwide, about 1,000 of them in Wisconsin. There are four remaining Wisconsin operations.
Kerry acquired Cargill Flavor Systems in December, and the Waukesha facility was formerly Cargill. This closure is part of the due diligence process, he said.
The company is working with employees to find positions within the company where possible.
“This will happen by the end of the year, 2012, and maybe even into the first quarter of 2013,” Egan said. “I anticipate based on employees’ personal obligations and other commitments, some may not relocate.”
