YAKIMA — Zirkle Fruit Co. will close its apple-packing operation in Prosser, which will lead to about 300 workers losing jobs starting in October, the company said Tuesday in a written statement.
The company said it is closing the operation to improve efficiency and better respond to customer and industry requests.
Zirkle will consolidate its apple-packing operation at its Selah facility.
The facility in Prosser will remain open year-round, primarily serving the company’s winery operations. Zirkle will also use it to store bulk fruit.
The company will continue to pack and ship cherries there, generating about 300 seasonal positions.
In Prosser, the company will do a series of layoffs as it winds down its apple-packing activity. The first of those layoffs, which will impact 95 workers, will occur between Oct. 17 and Oct. 30.
