Nearly 300 workers were left reeling after the sudden and permanent closure of the Momence Packing Company in Illinois — a facility that had been a cornerstone of the community for over six decades.
On June 2, employees were unexpectedly called to a meeting in Kankakee, where Johnsonville Foods’ CEO informed them that the plant was shutting down immediately. The announcement blindsided the workforce — including Lupe Hernandez, a 25-year veteran of the facility.
“It’s like they didn’t even care about us,” Hernandez told ABC7 News. “Same day?”
The Momence plant, originally opened in 1962, had operated under Johnsonville since 1995, specializing in sausage production. Local officials say they, too, were caught off guard. Momence Mayor Charles Steele reportedly received only 15 minutes’ notice.
Tim Nugent, president of the Economic Alliance of Kankakee County, expressed disbelief.
“A couple of weeks ago, the plant manager talked about over $1 million in new equipment. That told us they were planning to stay.”
But according to a statement from Johnsonville, the closure was part of a broader operational strategy to consolidate production at newer facilities in Wisconsin and Kansas. The company plans to demolish the Momence site by year’s end and redistribute its assets. It also announced plans to add 100 jobs across its Wisconsin plants by Q3.
In the meantime, Johnsonville has pledged to provide 60 days of pay and benefits to the displaced workers, and says it’s working on the terms of a full separation package. But for people like Hernandez — who was counting on three more years of work to finish paying off her home — the support may fall short.
A Broader Economic Picture
While national unemployment hovers at 4.1%, with 147,000 new jobs added in June, abrupt layoffs like this highlight the financial fragility facing many Americans. Jobless claims for the week ending July 12 dipped slightly to 221,000, but even brief gaps in employment can push families into credit card debt or force delays in retirement planning.
U.S. credit card debt has already surpassed $1.18 trillion as of Q1 2025. For older workers especially, a sudden layoff can threaten mortgage payments, deplete savings, and complicate access to health care.
What Laid-Off Workers Can Do
1. Reassess Your Budget
Start by reviewing all expenses. Cut non-essential costs and explore cheaper insurance alternatives through comparison sites like OfficialCarInsurance.com or OfficialHomeInsurance.com — both offer quick online tools to find the best deals.
2. Rework Your Retirement Strategy
If you were close to retiring, you may need to postpone. Automatic investing tools like Acorns can ease the burden by turning everyday purchases into retirement savings. Acorns also offers a $20 sign-up bonus with recurring contributions.
3. Build an Emergency Fund
If possible, begin putting aside even small amounts. Platforms like Monarch Money provide a clear view of your financial picture and offer tools for budgeting and long-term planning. They currently offer a free 7-day trial and a 50% discount with the code MONARCHVIP.
4. Seek Immediate Support
Apply for unemployment benefits right away and explore any local assistance programs. Community colleges and job centers may offer free resume workshops and job search help — vital if you’ve spent most of your career with a single employer.
The Momence closure is a painful reminder of how quickly financial security can unravel — but with proactive steps, affected workers can begin to regain their footing and rebuild.
