Prairie Farms Dairy is closing two manufacturing facilities in Shullsburg, Wisconsin, laying off nearly 100 workers. The closures affect the Shullsburg Creamery and White Hill Cheese plants, with operations winding down as part of an ongoing evaluation of its manufacturing network.
Prairie Farms Dairy has filed layoff notices in Shullsburg, Wisconsin, confirming the closure of two distinct manufacturing sites in the community as part of an ongoing evaluation of its manufacturing network. The decision impacts nearly 100 employees across packaging, production, warehouse, maintenance, administrative, and leadership roles.
Shullsburg Creamery and White Hill Cheese Facility Timelines
The company filed a pair of layoff notices with the state on a Monday, coinciding with the announced closure of the Shullsburg Creamery plant. A second local facility, the White Hill Cheese plant, is scheduled to close on August 14. According to the state filings, 43 people are affected at the Shullsburg Creamery location, while 54 employees face layoffs at White Hill Cheese.
Prairie Farms plans to sell the White Hill Cheese facility following the completion of its closure. Meanwhile, a small operational team will be retained at both locations to handle shutdown duties before their eventual departures at an undetermined date depending on operational needs. The company confirmed that the closures will not impact employees working at Shullsburg Creamery’s standalone retail cheese store.
Corporate Response and Workforce Transition Plans
Company executives acknowledged the difficult nature of the regional pullback while emphasizing support for the affected staff. Prairie Farms CEO Matt McClelland addressed the local impact in an official statement released alongside the filings.
“While these decisions are difficult, they are necessary to strengthen Prairie Farms for the future. Our immediate focus is supporting our employees through this transition.”
Matt McClelland, CEO of Prairie Farms
McClelland also stated, We are grateful to the employees at both facilities for their years of service and to the Shullsburg community for its longstanding support
in a statement issued to the public.
