Snyder's-Lance, Cape Cod’s previous parent company, had obtained approval from the Cape Cod Chamber of Commission for a $20m upgrade to the plant, before Snyder’s was acquired by Campbell Soup late last year.
Campbell stuck to the refurbishment plan, but at a reduced investment, and removed 12 older kettle fryers, reducing production lines from three to one.
Cape Cod Potato Chip Company was founded in 1980 and was acquired by Lance in 1999, before merging with Snyder’s of Hanover in 2010.
It also reduced the plant’s workforce from 80 to 59.
The company said the move was necessary as it ramps up production and demand increases in other areas of the country.
Proud of role in tourism
“As our business continues to evolve, we must constantly evaluate our supply chain network to ensure we are making our products in the most efficient and effective manner,” said Bethridge Toovel, associate director of communications at Campbell Snacks’ Connecticut office.
“We’ve decided to invest in several upgrades to ensure we can continue to locally produce the high quality chips expected by consumers, especially our loyal New Englanders. These investments will modernize the facility and improve the overall tour experience, but will be at a reduced investment level.
“We are incredibly proud of the role we play in local tourism and will continue to offer free self-guided tours of our facility so that visitors can see how our legendary kettle chips are made,” she said.
Some, but not all, of the redundant workers were offered different positions within the company.