Upper Macungie Kraft plant to close within 2 years. See story at: http://news.yahoo.com/kraft-heinz-close-7-factories-us-canada-downsizing-204225049.html;_ylt=A0LEVjggPTtWOHIAKBwnnIlQ;_ylu=X3oDMTEzbHBkZmliBGNvbG8DYmYxBHBvcwMxBHZ0aWQDRkZSQTEwXzEEc2VjA3Nj

Also, state Rep. Gary Day, R-187th, issued the following statement in response to the announcement Kraft Heinz would be closing its plant in Upper Macungie Township:

“I was saddened to learn today that many people in our area have lost their job security and are facing uncertainty in their future employment as Kraft Heinz Company announced changes to include the closing of a Lehigh Valley facility.

“Company officials say they are working to implement ‘a more streamlined manufacturing structure’ and possibly investing in newer manufacturing facilities. To ensure efficient and effective operations, it is my hope that they realize the strategic geographic location of Upper Macungie Township, which is located within an eight-hour drive of one-third of the country’s population.

“The Lehigh Valley and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania maintain strong economic development teams that listen to employers’ needs and aid in the planning process to help our companies succeed in leveraging scale and providing quality, safety and customer satisfaction.

“Organizations like Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation, Ben Franklin Technology Partners, the Manufacturer’s Resource Center and the Governor’s Action Team, as well as PennDOT, the U.S. Department of Transportation, local government officials and I stand ready to work with them through this process. We have the geographic location for logistics, and water and wastewater services that make many food manufacturing companies locate here.

“I hope Kraft Heinz will reconsider, give us the opportunity to address their concerns and do what’s best for the more than 400 employees who work at the local facility.”