Cargill to close ground beef processing facility in Milwaukee

Cargill Meat Solutions Corporation is permanently closing its protein processing plant in Milwaukee, causing the layoff of about 221 employees.

The plant, located at 200 S Emmber Lane, plans to stop production on or around April 17, 2026, and be fully closed on or around May 31.

Affected employees, from automation technicians to electricians to operations staff and more, have been notified about the closure. The company said layoffs will happen in phases, the first of which will start around April 11.

Cargill said employees who are laid off can apply for open jobs at other Cargill facilities. Those who exit the company will be eligible for a severance package.

“We recognize the impact this decision has on our 221 employees, and our focus is on supporting them with respect, care and assistance as they navigate this transition,” a Cargill spokesperson told Spectrum News.

Cargill said the closure of the ground beef facility is meant to “align [its] portfolio with current customer demand and prioritize investments where they are needed most for the future.”