ConAgra Brands to close Macon plant in January

MACON, Mo. (KMIZ)

ConAgra Brands plans to close its Macon facility on Jan. 15, 2027, the company confirmed Monday.

ConAgra Brands spokesperson Christina Gales said employees were notified about the planned closure Monday.

ConAgra said the decision followed a review of its manufacturing network and its efforts to operate efficiently while supporting the needs of the business.

“This decision was not made lightly, and we are grateful for our employees’ contributions and are committed to treating affected employees fairly and with respect throughout the transition,” the company said in a written statement.

ConAgra has not said how many employees work at the plant or how many will be affected by the closure.

The announcement comes about a year and a half after ConAgra announced a $29.1 million expansion of the Macon facility.

In a May 2025 news release, the Missouri Department of Economic Development said the expansion was expected to create 26 jobs and retain 340 existing positions. The department described ConAgra as Macon County’s largest employer.

The expansion was expected to replace outdated equipment and add new equipment to increase cooler and preparation space, expand production capacity and improve sustainability. The project also included new raw meat processing equipment intended to expand the variety of products made at the facility.

The Department of Economic Development said the project would allow ConAgra to better meet demand for products including Healthy Choice and Marie Callender’s meals.

The state’s 2025 announcement said ConAgra would benefit from the Missouri Works program, which provides eligible companies access to capital through withholdings or tax credits for creating jobs. It also said the company could receive recruitment and training assistance through Missouri One Start.

ABC 17 News has asked ConAgra how many employees will be affected, whether the expansion was completed, and what led to the closure and what assistance will be offered to employees.

ABC 17 News has also contacted City of Macon and Macon County officials about the expected impact of the closure.