Bob Evans laying off 110 employees

SPRINGFIELD, Ohio - Bob Evans said it will close its food production plants in Springfield and Bidwell, Ohio, next summer, laying off about 110 workers.

The company's CEO Steve Davis said Tuesday the company will focus on higher-growth opportunities such as packaged side dishes and convenience foods.

The company said it hopes to place many of these 110 employees in other positions within the organization.

"These are difficult, but important, strategic decisions for Bob Evans - ones that will allow our company to continue to grow in Ohio and across the country," Davis said in a press release.  "We recognize there are vast opportunities that lie ahead for Bob Evans Farms - and we are committed to making significant investments in Ohio and our other markets to realize those opportunities."

The company said it will consolidate its transportation operations in Bidwell, Ohio and Hillsdale, Michigan, to a new transportation center in Springfield, Ohio. 

The new transportation center will be located near the distribution center that services its businesses at an estimated investment of $5 million with 110 jobs.  It is anticipated that nearly all transportation workers from Bidwell and Hillsdale will transfer to the new Springfield transportation center.