Knouse Foods will close its food manufacturing plant in Chambersburg by the end of 2026, a move expected to impact about 150 employees, company officials announced Wednesday.
The decision follows a comprehensive review of its operations and long-term business strategy, the company said. In a statement, Knouse Foods said the closure is a necessary step to maintain long-term sustainability and competitiveness in an evolving industry.
The shutdown will take place gradually, with production lines being phased out over the coming months. Final production at the Chambersburg facility is expected to conclude on or around Dec. 31, 2026.
Company officials said support will be provided to affected workers, including severance packages, outplacement assistance and potential relocation opportunities at other Knouse Foods facilities.
The company also acknowledged the local impact of the closure, expressing appreciation for the employees who have worked at the site and the role the plant has played in the Chambersburg community over the years.
Knouse Foods, headquartered in nearby Peach Glen, Pennsylvania, is a well-established cooperative known for processing and marketing a wide range of fruit products, including applesauce, juices, and pie fillings. The company operates under several brands and is closely tied to the region’s agricultural economy, particularly Adams County’s apple industry.
Founded in 1949 as a cooperative of local fruit growers, Knouse Foods has grown into one of the leading fruit processors in the United States. Its roots are deeply embedded in south-central Pennsylvania, where generations of growers have supplied fruit to its facilities.
The Chambersburg plant has been part of that broader network, contributing to the company’s production capacity and regional employment base. Its closure represents a notable shift for the company and the local workforce, particularly in Franklin County, where manufacturing remains a key sector.
While the company has not detailed specific reasons for selecting the Chambersburg facility for closure, the announcement reflects broader trends in the food processing industry, where companies continue to streamline operations and adapt to changing market conditions.
Source: WHP, Knouse Foods