Brawley, California, October 21, 2025
News Summary
The Spreckels Sugar Co. plant in Brawley, California, will close at the end of the current processing year, resulting in significant job losses and economic downturn. Local leaders have declared a state of economic emergency as the closure is expected to eliminate 249 full-time jobs and impact 28,000 acres of sugar beet farming. The move follows a comprehensive evaluation citing long-term financial challenges, marking a critical shift in the state’s agricultural landscape and economy.
The state of California is facing significant challenges as the Spreckels Sugar Co. plant in Brawley prepares to close, marking the end of sugar beet production in the state. The closing of the plant, announced by the Southern Minnesota Beet Sugar Cooperative (SMBSC), is scheduled to take effect at the end of the current processing year, after March.
Local leaders in Imperial County reacted swiftly, declaring a state of economic emergency on September 9 to address the impending job losses and economic downturn. According to Supervisor Peggy Price, the closure will eliminate 249 full-time jobs, resulting in a payroll loss of $16.7 million and $28 million in annual economic activity.
The decision to shut down the facility is attributed to a comprehensive evaluation that cited long-term financial and operational challenges. The Brawley plant has been operational since 1947 and is part of a nearly century-old history in California’s sugar beet industry.
Historically, California was a major player in the sugar industry, producing 50% of the nation’s beet sugar during the 1950s. However, the closure of the Spreckels Sugar Co. plant is expected to have far-reaching consequences. It is projected to lead to the loss of approximately 700 jobs, severely impacting the local economy and agricultural landscape. The closure will also affect 28,000 acres of contracted sugar beet farming, directly employing around 400 workers.
The operations of the plant will be relocated to a more efficient factory in Renville, Minnesota, a move driven by rising production costs and decreasing sugar prices. Moreover, the closure will likely have ripple effects on associated jobs, including those of truck drivers, farmworkers, and businesses dedicated to fertilizer and seed supply.
In 2019, sugar beets contributed $1.18 billion to U.S. cash receipts from sugar farming, with yields in Imperial County averaging 40 tons per acre. Following the closure, federal regulations will prevent the processing of sugar beets in other facilities across California, solidifying the shutdown’s impact on the state’s agricultural industry.
California’s Imperial County has already faced the highest unemployment rate in the state for years, and the closure of the Spreckels Sugar Co. plant exacerbates existing economic difficulties. Local growers and officials express frustration over not being informed of the closure decision sooner as many now scramble for potential solutions.
Despite SMBSC investing nearly $100 million over a decade to modernize the facility, financial viability remained elusive. This closure is part of a larger trend observed across the western United States, where market conditions and federal policies have led to the closure of sugar factories.
In light of this development, the community is exploring alternative crops, but the options are limited, leading to fears that many fields may become fallow, further diminishing local employment opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What will happen to the jobs with the closure of Spreckels Sugar Co. plant?
The closure will eliminate 249 full-time jobs and is projected to lead to the loss of approximately 700 jobs total.
How much economic activity will be lost?
The closure is expected to result in a payroll loss of $16.7 million and contribute to $28 million in annual economic activity lost.
Why is the Spreckels Sugar Co. plant closing?
The closure is due to long-term financial and operational challenges as evaluated by the plant’s management.
When will the closure happen?
The plant is set to close at the end of the current processing year, after March.
What are the implications for sugar beet farming in California?
The closure marks the end of sugar beet farming in California, given there are no alternative processing options in the state.
Key Features of the Closure of Spreckels Sugar Co. Plant
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Closure Announcement | End of processing year, after March |
| Immediate Economic Impact | 249 full-time jobs eliminated; Economic loss of $28 million annually |
| Projected Job Losses | Around 700 jobs at risk |
| Sugar Beet Farming Impact | Affects 28,000 acres and 400 workers |
| History | Plant operational since 1947 |
| Modernization Investment | $100 million invested in the last decade |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Calexico Chronicle: Spreckels Sugar Co. to Close Brawley Facility
- Los Angeles Times: California’s Last Beet Sugar Factory is Leaving the State
- The Desert Review: Spreckels to Close Last Sugar Beet Plant in CA
- SFGate: California Food Plant Closing, End of Industry
- Farm Progress: California’s Last Sugar Beet Facility Closes
- Wikipedia: Sugar Beet
- Google Search: Sugar Production in California
- Google Scholar: Sugar Beet Industry California
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Sugar Beet
- Google News: Spreckels Sugar Co Closure
Author: STAFF HERE LOS ANGELES WRITER
The LOS ANGELES STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELosAngeles.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, and beyond, specializing in "news you can use" with coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates, while delivering top reporting on high-value events like the Academy Awards, LA Auto Show, and Los Angeles Marathon, extending coverage to key organizations such as the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, plus leading businesses in entertainment and technology like Warner Bros. and SpaceX, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREAnaheim.com , HERECostaMesa.com , HEREHuntingtonBeach.com , and HERESantaAna.com , providing comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape. HERE Anaheim HERE Beverly Hills HERE Coronado HERE Costa Mesa HERE Hollywood HERE Huntington Beach HERE Long Beach HERE Los Angeles HERE Mission Viejo HERE San Diego HERE Santa Ana
