Local Sara Lee Coffee Plant to Close

The St. Louis Park Sara Lee plant, which produces coffee and tea products for other businesses, will be shutting down, according to a company spokesman.

The closure is expected to happen before March 31 of this year, spokesman Mike Cummins said—a move that will cost roughly 22 employees their jobs.

Cummins said in an email that Sara Lee is ultimately splitting into separate meat production and foodservice coffee companies, with meat production—and brands such as Hillshire Farm and Jimmy Dean—being the focal point in North America. The coffee company will operate internationally, and will sell mainly to consumers in Europe and Brazil.

"Since we’ll be a North American meats company, owning the foodservice coffee business here was no longer a fit," Cummins said.

The spokesman said Sara Lee will work with state training and employment agencies to help facilitate the transition for those losing their jobs. Employees will also get 60-day notices before being laid off.

"We understand this will be a very difficult time for our employees and their families," Cummins said. "Impacted employees will receive appropriate support from the company."

Cummins said the 37,500 square-foot plant, which is the former home of McGarvey Coffee and is located at 5725 Highway 7, will be put up for sale in the near future.