Cargill purchases turkey processor, but closes two plants

The transaction includes Willow Brook’s operations in Springfield, Mo., and Albert Lea, Minn. The Minnesota asset is a cooked meat operation known as Schweigert Foods. Also as part of the deal, Cargill Value Added Meats will acquire Willow Brook’s brands.

“High feed and energy related costs have made it difficult for Willow Brook to continue operating,” said, president of the Springfield, Mo.-based company Mike Briggs.

Additionally, Cargill will close two Willow Brook facilities in Springfield. The production from the two facilities will move to Cargill plants in California, Missouri and Springdale, Ark., over the next four to six months.