Tri-Miller Packing Co. will lay off more than half its work force by early May as the meat packer closes its slaughter facilities in response to market changes and differences with Hyrum city officials.
Thorn Apple Valley Inc., the Michigan-based owner of Tri-Miller, handed 60-day notifications to 280 workers Friday. The company employs 450 people.The plant's pork processing operation will remain open.
Rich Allen, Utah general manager for Thorn Apple Valley, said the plant's hog slaughter, pork cut and bacon operations were losing money.
"Northern Utah is not a good area for hog slaughter operations," he said. "We're too far from our suppliers."
Tri-Miller management asked the city to close a road near the plant to accommodate expansion.
But city officials balked, citing protests from surrounding businesses.
Mayor Ralph Haycock said the closure announcement was a disappointment but not a surprise.
"But we've had lots of business moving into the valley, and I think we can absorb the losses," he said.