Pactiv Evergreen to close Bakersfield plant, cutting 127 jobs

USA – Pactiv Evergreen, a major player in food and beverage packaging, will permanently shut down its thermoforming plant in Bakersfield, California, resulting in the loss of 127 jobs. 

The closure is set for October 14, 2025, according to a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) notice filed with the state. 

The WARN Act requires employers to provide a 60-day notice for mass layoffs or plant closures to inform affected workers and government officials.

The company did not disclose the reason for closing the facility, located off Norris Road and Pegasus Drive. 

Pactiv Evergreen operates over 50 manufacturing facilities across North America, employing more than 14,000 people. 

The Bakersfield plant, which produces plastic food packaging, is one of several facilities impacted by recent industry shifts.

In a statement, Pactiv Evergreen’s CEO, Mike King, said, “We are committed to supporting our employees during this transition.” 

The company has notified local officials, including Bakersfield Mayor Karen Goh and the Kern County Workforce Development Board, about the layoffs, which will affect roles ranging from plant management to maintenance staff. 

The shutdown comes months after Novolex, a foodservice packaging manufacturer, acquired Pactiv Evergreen for US$6.7 billion in April 2025. 

The acquisition, one of the largest in the packaging industry, created a combined entity with 250 brands and 39,000 stock-keeping units, serving markets across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Europe. 

Novolex, majority-owned by Apollo Funds since 2022, also operates two plastic film recycling centers, emphasizing sustainable packaging solutions.

A recent industry update indicates Novolex is exploring further consolidation, with reports suggesting Apollo Funds may be preparing an additional takeover bid for Pactiv Evergreen. 

This follows earlier cost-cutting measures by Pactiv Evergreen, including the closure of a Kalamazoo, Michigan, facility in June 2025, which eliminated 153 jobs. 

These moves highlight ongoing restructuring efforts in the packaging sector as companies adapt to market demands and sustainability goals.

Novolex’s manufacturing network supports foodservice, grocery, and industrial sectors, with a focus on fiber and plastic packaging. 

The Bakersfield closure raises questions about the future of local jobs, though Pactiv Evergreen has pledged to assist affected workers. Details on severance or relocation support remain undisclosed.

The packaging industry continues to face challenges, with companies balancing operational efficiency and environmental responsibility. 

Pactiv Evergreen’s products, many made with recycled or renewable materials, remain critical to North America’s food supply chain, despite these workforce reductions.

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