General Mills to Close Two Pet Food Plants in Joplin

Industry Insight from Next Move Strategy Consulting

General Mills announced yesterday that it will be shutting down two pet food plants in Joplin, a move that could leave many employees out of work.

General Mills to End Production at Joplin Pet Food Plants by 2026

A General Mills spokesperson confirmed today that production at its Whitebridge Joplin facilities will conclude by July 2026. One of the affected sites is NAPP, or Natural American Pet Products, located on Cardinal Drive near Webb City.

Employees leaving the facility shared their reactions, with many expressing sadness and uncertainty about the future. While none agreed to appear on camera, workers said they had only learned of the planned closures during a meeting held yesterday.

Production to Shift to General Mills Joplin Pet Plant

According to the company, production will be consolidated into its existing General Mills Joplin Pet Plant, and employees will be offered opportunities to transfer there. However, when asked for details about the specific closures, the company spokesperson declined to provide answers and did not disclose how many workers would be impacted.

Impact on the Pet Food Ingredients Market

The decision by General Mills to shut down two pet food plants in Joplin by 2026 and consolidate production into a single facility raises important questions about its broader impact on the pet food ingredients market. While the move is aimed at streamlining operations and improving efficiency, the market implications may be mixed depending on supply dynamics and competitive responses.

Potential Market Impact:

• Negative Impact

  • Reduced Ingredient Procurement in the Region: With two plants shutting down, local suppliers of meat, grains, and specialty additives may see a decline in bulk orders.

  • Short-Term Supply Chain Disruptions: Transitioning production could temporarily disrupt ingredient demand and logistics, creating uncertainty for regional vendors.

  • Employment-Linked Consumption Drop: Reduced workforce in Joplin could indirectly affect local demand for pet food and related products.

• Positive Impact

  • Optimized Production May Stabilize Ingredient Needs: Consolidation at the Joplin Pet Plant could lead to more consistent and predictable ingredient demand.

  • Potential Shift to Premium Ingredients: As companies streamline operations, they often emphasize efficiency and quality, potentially driving demand for higher-value ingredients.

  • Industry Benchmarking Effect: Competitors may follow suit, consolidating operations and reshaping sourcing strategies, which could benefit larger, well-established suppliers.

Overall Outlook

The closures will likely create short-term disruptions and negative effects on local ingredient suppliers, but in the longer term, the consolidation could stabilize and potentially increase demand for premium pet food ingredients as production becomes more centralized and efficient.

Source: https://www.fourstateshomepage.com/news 

Prepared by: Next Move Strategy Consulting