Basic American Foods Plans to Eliminate 65 Positions, to close a factory

Basic American Foods announced Monday they are consolidating their production facilities in Eastern Idaho by laying off 65 positions in Shelley along with cost reductions at the Rexburg and Blackfoot production facilities and the central distribution center in Idaho Falls. It is said the three production facilities will be reduced to two.

According to a media release, BAF said "the downturn of the economy, the high cost of Idaho potatoes, and the loss of sales volume has required BAF to improve efficiencies by consolidating production and reducing operating costs."

It is anticipated that the Idaho facilities will continue current levels of production until early February 2009.