MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Just before Christmas, dozens of Memphis workers learned they are losing their jobs.
According to a state notice, Archer Daniels Midland plans on closing its facility in the Hollywood neighborhood, located on Chelsea Avenue, west of Warford Street.
ADM announced 95 workers will lose their jobs on January 30. That’s when the Chicago-based food processing company will shut down its cottonseed operations.
Days before news broke of the layoffs, the company announced a new cottonseed joint venture with Planters Cotton Oil Mill in Pine Bluff, Arkansas.
“Planters will contribute its crush plant in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, as well as additional origination and storage facilities located in the region, to the joint venture,” the news release read. “ADM will contribute its Memphis, Tennessee, cottonseed facility; it is expected that the Memphis facility’s oil refinery will operate as part of the joint venture, while crushing operations at the Memphis facility will end.”
The general manager of ADM’s cottonseed business wrote that the company is continuing to strengthen its portfolio.
“This new joint venture will help ensure the continued strength, stability and efficiency of the cottonseed supply chain, from farmers to gins to end customers,” wrote Fred Serven, general manager of ADM’s cottonseed business.
“Bringing our Memphis crush operations together with Planters is an opportunity to strengthen the business, enhancing operational efficiencies and returns and ensuring we are meeting customer needs,” wrote a spokesperson in a statement to FOX13.
According to the company, that facility was acquired by ADM in 1980.
Total layoffs
These dozens of new layoffs brought Shelby County to a total of 1,374 layoffs this year, according to the state database.
That is fewer than last year’s total of 1,523 layoffs.
Back in 2023, Shelby County had 848 reported layoffs, according to state data.
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