LEMOORE, Calif. (FOX26) — The impending closure of the Leprino Foods plant in Lemoore is set to leave more than 300 people without jobs, marking another significant economic blow to the rural community.Lemoore has already faced the loss of a tomato plant and a grain mill and now the dairy plant's shutdown adds to the town's challenges."It was just kind of a shock that it was going to be closing, nothing that anyone expected," Patricia Matthews, mayor of the city of Lemoore, said.In the initial announcemen...
LEMOORE, Calif. (FOX26) — The impending closure of the Leprino Foods plant in Lemoore is set to leave more than 300 people without jobs, marking another significant economic blow to the rural community.
Lemoore has already faced the loss of a tomato plant and a grain mill and now the dairy plant's shutdown adds to the town's challenges.
"It was just kind of a shock that it was going to be closing, nothing that anyone expected," Patricia Matthews, mayor of the city of Lemoore, said.
In the initial announcement, the company cited the plant's age, high operational costs and long-term milk supply outlook as reasons for the decision.
Despite the closure, Matthews remains hopeful about future opportunities for the facility.
"We're open to still continuing to help them fill the building if they do sell it, whatever their plans may be because it helps us all for the community," she said.
John Vale, a neighbor that lives across the street from the plant, has concerns about security once the facility shuts down.
"I'm worried about maybe like the homeless coming over here and hanging out," Vale said.
Kings County District 1 Supervisor Joe Neves acknowledged these concerns and offered reassurance to people around the plant.
"A lot of industries have to put up fencing and support their facilities with higher security, whether it's cameras, fencing, or security," Neves said.
Neves said that as the plant closes down, the county holds the same goals.
"We really want our tomatoes to leave the county in tomato sauce and milk to leave the county in the form of cheese because that value enhancement is what helps our industries grow," Neves said.
As the plant remains under Leprino Foods' ownership, the future of the facility and its potential new tenants remains uncertain.