Primal Pet Foods will shutter three Fairfield production sites this September, eliminating roughly 145 jobs across its California operations. The Bay Area company confirmed the decision in state filings, marking one of the region’s larger food manufacturing layoffs this year.
The closures follow a broader consolidation wave hitting midsize pet food producers. Rising input costs and distribution realignments have pushed several brands to trim physical footprints while preserving brand identity.
The heaviest losses land at 535 Watt Drive, where 130 workers ranging from line staff to senior leadership will lose positions. Another 10 jobs disappear at 5100 Fulton Drive, with five more cut at 801 Chadbourne Road. California’s Employment Development Department set Sept. 17 as the effective date.
Notices went out by mail under both state and federal WARN Act requirements. The company described the move as part of “a comprehensive evaluation of the company’s operations” aimed at supporting long-term growth.
Meanwhile, frozen raw pet food production will relocate to an undisclosed facility. Primal insists recipes, equipment, and ingredient sourcing remain unchanged. The brand continues operating plants in Texas, Colorado, and Washington.
The layoffs arrive months after parent company Primal Pet Group named Luke Mullins, a two-decade industry veteran, as its first chief customer officer. His hire signaled a push toward retail partnerships and expanded distribution.
Company leadership acknowledged Fairfield’s eight-year role in Primal’s trajectory. Executives pledged transition support for affected workers and their families over the coming months.
As a result, Northern California’s pet food manufacturing base shrinks further. Remaining Primal Pet Group brands include Himalayan Pet Supply and EcoKind, which appear unaffected by the California cuts.
