Conagra’s $29.1 Million Funding Was Speculated to Gas Development. Much less Than 2 Years Later, It is Closing the Plant

The facility was slated for a massive expansion last year. Now Conagra plans to shutter it, eliminating 442 jobs.

Conagra Brands, a consumer packaged goods holding company, is closing a plant in Missouri. The news comes less than two years after it announced a $29.1 million investment in the facility.

The company confirmed to Inc. that employees at the Macon facility were informed that the plant’s last day of operation will be January 15, 2027. Conagra said its decision followed a “careful review” of its manufacturing network and ongoing efforts to operate “as effectively and efficiently as possible.”

This decision was not made lightly, and we

“This decision was not made lightly, and we are grateful for our employees’ contributions, and we are committed to treating affected employees fairly and with respect throughout the transition,” a spokesperson told Inc. 

According to a notice on the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development website, the company will eliminate 442 jobs. The closure comes after the company announced an expansion in May 2025, including the creation of 26 new jobs. 

Refreshed leadership advice from CEO Stephanie Mehta

“It’s great to see Conagra continuing to invest, expand, and create jobs in Macon,” Gov. Mike Kehoe said in a 2025 press release. “This company’s more than 100-year presence in the area is a prime example of how business growth benefits communities. We congratulate Conagra and look forward to its ongoing success in northern Missouri.” 

In the 2025 release, Conagra was identified as Macon County’s largest employer.

Sudden reversal

Macon Mayor James Holman said he was concerned about the “broader economic impact this closure may have on local businesses, schools, and the community as a whole.” 

Source: www.inc.com