The snack food industry is witnessing another major shift as Mars announced the upcoming closure of its Nature’s Bakery production plant in Hazelwood, Missouri.
On July 8, 2026, Mars confirmed that it will shutter the Hazelwood facility, a move that will result in the layoff of 345 employees. This decision comes despite the company’s recent and significant investments in its U.S.-based manufacturing footprint to keep pace with surging demand for healthy, plant-based, and nut-free snacks.
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The Details of the Closure
According to a WARN notice filed with the state of Missouri, the transition will be gradual. The Hazelwood plant will continue to operate through the end of 2026, with a permanent closure date set for September 2027.
The layoff timeline is phased to support the transition:
- Initial layoffs: Scheduled for September 2026.
- Secondary layoffs: Scheduled for February 2027.
Mars has indicated that impacted associates are eligible to apply for other roles within Nature’s Bakery or the broader Mars organization.
Manufacturing Strategy and Consolidation
This closure highlights a broader trend of manufacturing consolidation within the snack food sector. While Mars has aggressively expanded its domestic production—investing billions into U.S. operations over the past five years, including a $237 million facility in Salt Lake City—it is also actively optimizing its footprint to increase efficiency.
A spokesperson for Mars stated that the decision to close the Hazelwood plant was driven by “continuously evaluating our manufacturing footprint and evolving business needs.” The company emphasized that this move is a reflection of strategic logistics rather than a lack of performance at the Missouri site.
What This Means for Nature’s Bakery
Since its acquisition by Mars in 2020, Nature’s Bakery has been a cornerstone of the company’s “better-for-you” snack portfolio. Despite this facility closure, the brand remains a growth driver for the parent company. Manufacturing for the brand’s popular whole wheat, oatmeal, fig, and brownie bars will be shifted to other existing facilities, including sites in Carson City, Nevada, and the newer, highly automated Salt Lake City hub.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why is Mars closing the Nature’s Bakery plant in Hazelwood?
Mars is closing the facility as part of a strategic evaluation of its manufacturing footprint and evolving business needs. The company is consolidating production to improve overall operational efficiency.
How many employees are affected by the closure?
The closure will result in the layoff of 345 workers. Mars has stated that these employees are eligible to seek other roles within Nature’s Bakery or the wider Mars network.
When will the Hazelwood facility officially shut down?
The plant will remain operational through the end of 2026, with a final, permanent closure scheduled for September 2027.
Will this impact the availability of Nature’s Bakery products?
No, production is being transitioned to other Mars-owned facilities, including the company’s production sites in Salt Lake City and Carson City, to ensure that the brand’s manufacturing capacity remains aligned with consumer demand.
Sources
- IndexBox: “Mars to Close Natures Bakery Facility in Hazelwood, Laying Off 345 Workers” (July 2026).
- Durham News Today: “Nature’s Bakery Closes Missouri Plant” (July 2026).
- Snack Food & Wholesale Bakery: “Mars, Inc. to invest $2B in U.S. manufacturing by 2026” (July 2025).
As a professional in the food and beverage industry, how do you see this trend of manufacturing consolidation affecting supply chain stability for snack brands in the coming year?