Conagra Brands will eliminate 442 jobs at its Macon, Missouri plant, shutting a facility it committed $29.1 million to expand less than two years ago. The company confirmed to Inc. that employees were told the plant's last day of operation will be January 15, 2027.

The closure reverses an expansion announced in May 2025, which included plans to create 26 new jobs at the site. Conagra said the shutdown followed a "careful review" of its manufacturing network and ongoing efforts to operate "as effectively and efficiently as possible."

A spokesperson said: "This decision was not made lightly, and we are grateful for our employees' contributions, and we are committed to treating affected employees fairly and with respect throughout the transition."

The job count comes from a notice posted on the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development website.

What does the reversal mean for Macon?

The timing is stark. When Conagra announced the expansion, Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe celebrated it.

"It's great to see Conagra continuing to invest, expand, and create jobs in Macon," Kehoe said in the 2025 press release. "This company's more than 100-year presence in the area is a prime example of how business growth benefits communities. We congratulate Conagra and look forward to its ongoing success in northern Missouri."

The same 2025 release identified Conagra as Macon County's largest employer, underscoring the weight of the closure for a town of its size.

Macon Mayor James Holman flagged the wider fallout, saying he was concerned about the "broader economic impact this closure may have on local businesses, schools, and the community as a whole."

"Our immediate concern is for the hardworking men and women who will be affected by this decision," Holman said in a release. "These employees have dedicated years of service to the company, and their contributions have played an important role in the success and economic stability of our community."

How are workers responding?

Employees who spoke with ABC 17 News expressed sadness at the decision. Jody Summers, a Conagra employee of 24 years at the facility, told the outlet: "I was hoping to retire from here."

"It's sad for our community, our schools," Summers said.

The plant is one of 42 manufacturing facilities Conagra manages, according to the company's website. Thirty-eight sit in the U.S.; four operate in Canada and Mexico.

Conagra's brands include Duncan Hines, Marie Callender's, Reddi-wip, and Slim Jim.

According to Yahoo Finance, Conagra Brands carries a market capitalization of approximately $6.88 billion to $7.30 billion and an enterprise value of roughly $14.39 billion to $14.69 billion.

For Macon, the arithmetic is severe: 442 jobs at a single site in a county where Conagra is the largest employer.