ConAgra to Close Macon Plant by January 2027
ConAgra Brands plans to shut its Macon, Missouri facility on January 15, 2027, after notifying employees on Monday.
Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Jobs — General
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ConAgra Brands confirmed Monday that it plans to close its Macon facility on January 15, 2027, and notified employees of the decision. The company has not disclosed how many workers are employed at the plant or how many will be affected.
Why it matters
ConAgra is Macon County's largest employer, so the planned closure carries significant weight for the local economy. The decision comes about a year and a half after the company announced a $29.1 million expansion of the same facility.
The Missouri Department of Economic Development projected in May 2025 that the $29.1 million expansion would create 26 jobs and retain 340 positions, while ConAgra has not disclosed the plant's current headcount. The number of workers affected by the January 15, 2027 closure remains unknown.
The players
ConAgra Brands
ConAgra Brands is a major American packaged food company that owns brands including Healthy Choice and Marie Callender's.
Missouri Department of Economic Development
The Missouri Department of Economic Development is the state agency responsible for business recruitment, expansion incentives, and economic development programs.
The details
ConAgra said the closure decision followed a review of its manufacturing network and efforts to operate efficiently while supporting the needs of the business. The expansion, which added replacement and new equipment for cooler, preparation and production space along with new raw meat processing equipment, was intended to better meet demand for Healthy Choice and Marie Callender's products.
Timeline
May 2025: Missouri announces the $29.1 million Macon facility expansion.
Monday, November 9, 2026: ConAgra confirms the closure plan and notifies employees.
January 15, 2027: Scheduled closure date for the Macon facility.
Market Landscape
The closure reverses the trajectory set by the state's May 2025 announcement, which projected 26 new jobs and 340 retained positions from the $29.1 million Macon expansion. It also illustrates how a large packaged-food producer can reallocate capacity within its manufacturing network even after recent investment in a given site.
Workers at the Macon plant face a closure date of January 15, 2027, and the number of affected employees has not been disclosed. Residents who rely on ConAgra as Macon County's largest employer may need to plan for changes to local jobs and household income.
The takeaway
Communities that depend on a single large employer can benefit from tracking facility plans and state economic development announcements, which may signal shifts before they become public. Workers at affected plants should watch for official notices on timing and any available transition support.
Further reading
Explore more Jobs — General coverage for context on workforce changes in Macon.
Source note: This article includes information reported by ABC17NEWS.
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