A popular potato chip brand is leaving its coastal hometown after more than four decades of business, but its distinctive name will live on.
The Campbell’s Co. announced it would close its Cape Cod chip plant in Hyannis, Massachusetts, according to a Jan. 29 press release.
The brand was founded in Hyannis – a beach town known for its association with the Kennedys – and the factory, which will end production in April, has been in operation since 1985.
Production of Cape Cod chips will be “transferred to more modern and efficient factories, enabling a more agile and flexible manufacturing network,” Campbell’s said in a statement.
The main factories are located in Beloit, Wisconsin; Charlotte, North Carolina; and Hanover, Pennsylvania – where Campbell’s said “high-quality, carefully selected ingredients” will continue to be used.
The company said the Hyannis plant produces only 4% of Cape Cod chips and its continuation “no longer makes economic sense for the company.”
Forty-nine employees will be laid off. The employees will receive “separation benefits, job-finding support and guidance in accessing state assistance programs,” Campbell’s said. In the meantime, investment initiatives in the region will continue.
The news was poorly received by some New Englanders on social media.
“I have been a consumer of Cape Cod chips for years. I am very sad to hear this,” wrote one X user.
Another commenter described it as “very disappointing” as the chips were a “big part of growing up” in New England, the person said.
Others were unaffected by the news, given the factory’s relatively low output.
“They closed the old factory because it was just for show,” said an X user. “It made up 4% of the chips.”
Elizabeth Duggan, president of Campbell’s Snacks, said in a statement that the decision was made due to the need “to strengthen our operations and position our snacks business for long-term growth.”
“We will maintain a presence in the community by honoring the brand’s heritage and continuing to make local investments to support the next generation of food innovators on Cape Cod,” said Duggan.
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