Leprino Foods to Close Historic California Mozzarella Plant

Leprino Foods, recognized as the world's largest mozzarella producer, has announced the impending closure of its East Plant located in Lemoore, California. This facility, which has been operational since 1910, will cease operations in early 2026, resulting in the loss of over 300 jobs. The decision was communicated to employees in late 2024, allowing them time to seek new employment opportunities.

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The closure of the Lemoore plant is attributed to multiple factors, including the facility's age, the anticipated capital requirements for necessary improvements, high operating costs in California, and the long-term outlook for milk supply. Additionally, the opening of a new facility in Lubbock, Texas, which processes over 500,000 gallons of milk daily, has contributed to the decision. Leprino's statement emphasized that the closure does not reflect the efforts of the Lemoore employees, who have been integral to the company's success.

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The closure of the East Plant is expected to have significant economic repercussions for the City of Lemoore. Former employee Dave Costa remarked on the impact, stating, “This is the highest paying job in the valley — one of the highest paying factory jobs in the valley, and it’s going to be a great loss to the City of Lemoore.” The loss of these jobs will likely affect local businesses and the overall economic landscape of the region.

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Leprino Foods released a statement detailing the reasons behind the closure, highlighting the combination of operational challenges and strategic shifts in production. The company expressed gratitude for the contributions of its Lemoore employees, stating, “This choice in no way reflects the hard work of our approximately 300 Lemoore East employees, who contribute to Leprino’s success every day.”

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Local community members and former employees have voiced concerns regarding the closure. The loss of high-paying jobs in the area raises questions about the future economic stability of Lemoore. Critics argue that the decision reflects broader issues within the dairy industry and the challenges faced by manufacturing jobs in California.

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As the closure date approaches, affected employees will be seeking new job opportunities, and the community will need to adapt to the economic changes resulting from the plant's shutdown. Leprino Foods will continue to operate its new facility in Texas, which is expected to absorb some of the production capacity previously handled by the Lemoore plant.

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• “This choice in no way reflects the hard work of our approximately 300 Lemoore East employees, who contribute to Leprino’s success every day,” — Leprino Foods Statement

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• “This is the highest paying job in the valley — one of the highest paying factory jobs in the valley, and it’s going to be a great loss to the City of Lemoore,” — Dave Costa, Former Leprino Employee

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