Kraft Heinz food factory in Fullerton closing

 (CNS) - The Kraft Heinz food factory in Fullerton will be closed along with six of the company's other plants around the country as part of an effort to streamline the firm's operations, a company spokesman said today. 
The move is expected to result in about 2,600 layoffs. About 400 people work at the Fullerton plant near Walnut and Raymond avenues, where Lunchables packaged meals are made. 
Michael Mullen, senior vice president of corporate and government affairs for Kraft Heinz, said the closures will be done in phases over the next 12 to 24 months, with the affected production operations shifting to other factories. 
Kraft and Heinz merged earlier this year, and layoffs were anticipated as a result of the move. 
``Our decision to consolidate manufacturing across the Kraft Heinz North American network is a critical step in our plan to eliminate excess capacity and reduce operational redundancies for the new combined company,'' Mullen said. ``This will make Kraft Heinz more globally competitive and accelerate the company's future growth. 
He said the closure decision was made ``after thoroughly exploring extensive alternatives and options.'' 
Other plants being closed are in San Leandro; Federalsburg, Maryland; St. Marys, Ontario, Canada; Campbell, New York; Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania; and Madison, Wisconsin.