Hundreds of jobs at local Kellogg plant in jeopardy after company announces downsizing

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) – Over a hundred jobs at the Kellogg’s plant in Memphis are on the chopping block.

The international cereal-making company announced a plan to scale back its production this week.

The changes came Tuesday morning after W.K. Kellogg Company shared its second quarter financial results and also informed its workers that it was downsizing production in Memphis sometime next year and completely closing its Omaha, Nebraska, location in 2026.

President of Local 252G Rob Eafen, a union rep for Kellogg’s workers, says these actions would cut more than 500 jobs overall and over 100 jobs here in Memphis.

“They gave a tentative number of 100 hourly employees, and the initial said about 25 salary employees. [Someone told me] last night that number may increase,” said Eafen.

Memphis Mayor Paul Young said, “Every reduction – or potential reduction- in the workforce bothers me. I feel it personally. [I aim] to create a Memphis where our residents find more job opportunities that meet their skills and schedules.”

W.K. Kellogg said it’s transforming its supply chain, investing up to $500 million in newer equipment and infrastructure and moving production from its oldest plants.

However, Eafen said the idea to “streamline” the company’s main production plant, which is responsible for making its core products, will affect not only production but also hundreds of families.

“Again, that’s the reason in the purpose of a union we’re gonna make sure we fight for those people, our people; they’re just common man common people here to do a job,” said Eafen.

W.K. Kellogg said it is implementing plans to ensure the affected employees receive support, including offering severance and benefits and Employee Assistance Program resources.

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