Pinnacle closings may impact Mrs. Paul’s jobs

ConAgra’s closing of two Pinnacle offices will eliminate around 500 jobs; including, potentially, some employees of its Mrs. Paul’s and Van de Camp’s brands. 

Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A.-based food manufacturer Conagra Brands bought Pinnacle, the maker of Mrs. Paul’s, Van de Camp’s, and other popular food brands, for USD 10.9 billion (EUR 9.6 billion) in June.

Now, Conagra plans to close Pinnacle’s former corporate headquarters in Parsippany, New Jersey, and eliminate all 308 positions at the facility. It will also close a regional office in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, cutting 196 jobs, according to a notice from New Jersey's Department of Labor, the Courier Post reported.

“We have made the decision that we will continue to have our management team and key corporate functions located in Chicago and Omaha, which is cost-effective and allows us to meet the needs of the business. Chicago will continue to be our headquarters,” Conagra spokesman Dan Hare told SeafoodSource.

While Hare said the cuts are not specific to Mrs. Paul’s and Van de Camp’s brands, he declined to say which brands will be affected. 

“This will result in job eliminations, many of which will not occur until well into 2019. Some employees will have the opportunity to apply for other positions at Conagra,” Hare said. “We are committed to treating all employees with respect by providing as much advance notice as possible and transition support.”

Photo courtesy of Criterion Holdings