An Augusta beef processor is cutting part of its workforce in a renovation that's expected to scale back full production for more than a year.
FPL Food, which operates a plant on New Savannah Road, is eliminating 183 jobs while the facility modernizes, the company recently announced.
FPL said its premium programs will continue. The company markets cuts of Black Angus and Wagyu beef under the Châtel Farms label.
"Augusta has been home to FPL Food for 22 years, and our success here would not have been possible without the people who have been part of that journey," said Francois Leger, the company's CEO and founder. "We are especially grateful to our employees for the hard work
and dedication they have given this company. This investment is about preparing FPL for the future while continuing our commitment to our people, our partners and the Augusta community."
Former employees will be invited to re-apply for available jobs when full operations return, according to the company.
In 2020, FPL announced a multiphase expansion of its Augusta plant that created about 285 new jobs in a second shift to help increase production.
"We are grateful for the trust and support that have carried FPL through the past 22 years," Leger said. "We are proud to call Augusta home, and we look forward to beginning this next chapter together."
The New Savannah Road plant was erected in 1932 by the Shapiro family, which had operated a meat market on the 1200 block of Broad Street in Augusta since at least 1919, according to Augusta Chronicle archives. Pennsylvania-based Keystone Foods bought the family business in 1996. FPL bought the plant in 2004.
This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: FPL Food cuts 183 Augusta jobs as plant overhaul slows production
