WATERTOWN, S.D.(KXLG)- The long-standing Hubbard Feeds Watertown location has confirmed it will be closing. The announcement came on Monday, and the final shutdown date is September 1, 2023. KXLG News reached out and received a statement from Alltech, the parent company of Hubbard Feeds.

Alltech cites discovering “severe structural issues” in the facility that “cannot be remedied or will inevitably worsen over time and usage.” It continues they have other regional facilities that can accommodate the additional volume that Watertown produces.

The company’s statement regarding the employees said, “We appreciate the unwavering commitment and dedication demonstrated by our Watertown colleagues. Our team members have been and continue to be the most important assets in our organization. All affected Watertown team members are being offered relocation or transition packages.”

Below is the complete statement received from Alltech:

We have recently discovered severe structural issues at our Watertown, South Dakota, facility that cannot be remedied and will inevitably worsen over time and usage.  After a thorough assessment by a structural engineer and careful analysis by our operations and sales teams, we regretfully announce that we are discontinuing operations at our Watertown, South Dakota, facility beginning July 17, with the final shutdown occurring on September 1. On July 17, we began transitioning production from this facility to our nearby manufacturing plants, and this transition will continue for several weeks.  Although this location has a successful history and strong roots in the area, we have concluded that this decision is necessary for our company to continue operating in the safest manner possible for our team members.

Hubbard Feeds has facilities in the region that can accommodate the additional volume that Watertown produces, and we will manufacture feed at five different locations to meet these needs. These facilities are located at Huron, South Dakota; Alexandria, Minnesota; Sioux City, Iowa; Bismarck, North Dakota; and Worthington, Minnesota.

We appreciate the unwavering commitment and dedication demonstrated by our Watertown colleagues. Our team members have been and continue to be the most important assets in our organization. All affected Watertown team members are being offered relocation or transition packages.

Customers are being contacted directly by their account managers, and they can expect a seamless transition to our nearby production facilities.