The Bellingham Herald's Alyse Smith reported that Cargill has announced the closure of its Ferndale, Washington, plant. The decision was revealed in a news release on October 28, stating that after 88 years of operation at the site, Cargill will permanently cease production at its Animal Nutrition facility in mid-November due to significant modernization needs.
The closure will result in the loss of 12 jobs for Ferndale residents, as confirmed by Kelly Sheehan, Cargill’s media relations director. The company is actively working to assist affected employees in finding positions at other Cargill facilities.
Once operations cease, the plant will be demolished, with the land ownership retained by Burlington Northern Railway. Cargill will continue to service its dairy industry customers through its Granger, Washington, animal feed facility and EPL Feed LLC in Sumas, Washington, ensuring a seamless transition for customers.
As of now, no official dates have been set for the closure or demolition of the Ferndale plant. The decision marks the end of an era for the facility, which has played a significant role in the local agricultural landscape for nearly nine decades.
