US-based National Beef Packing is set to shut its beef processing plant in Brawley, California, due to a drop in supply of fed cattle.
The company expects the last day of production at the plant to be 4 April 2013.
The closure will affect about 1,300 employees who will be provided support, including assistance finding employment at the company's other facilities.
In 2006, the company acquired the Brawley facility.
National Beef CEO Tim Klein said, "This was a very difficult decision for us to make because of the impact on our employees and suppliers.
"We are optimistic about the long-term prospects for U.S. beef demand and we will continue to focus on expanding our position as the industry leader in value-added beef products."
National Beef vice president and general manager Brian Webb said, "We have a committed, hard-working team of employees and suppliers in Brawley, and we truly understand the impact this will have on them.
"We are grateful for their service to our company and we will work closely with them during this transition."
Based in Kansas City, Missouri, National Beef Packing processes and markets beef, case-ready beef, beef by-products and wet-blue leather for domestic and international markets.
