Heyburn Potato Distribution Center Closing

TWIN FALLS, Idaho (AP) — J.R. Simplot Co. officials have announced plans to close a distribution center in south-central Idaho, putting 56 employees out of work. The Times-News reports that a phased shut down of the center in Heyburn will begin in August. Company spokesman David Cuoio says the center distributes mostly frozen potato products to quick-serve restaurants and other food service customers in the West and Midwest.

The company says it will provide the employees with severance packages and employment assistance. Company officials say a new potato processing plant in Caldwell in southwestern Idaho with a modern distribution center will begin operations this fall. The company says workers at the center being closed will be able to apply for jobs at other Simplot facilities.