Shearer's Foods to close Bristol, Virginia, facility; about 155 employees affected. by Natalea Hillen Wed, July 22, 2026 at 5:22 PM Updated Wed, July 22, 2026 at 6:21 PM 00:00 01:47 WCYB photo. BRISTOL, Va. (WCYB) - A major employer in the Bristol area is shutting down, leaving dozens of families facing an uncertain future. Shearer's Foods announced Wednesday morning it will close its manufacturing facility in Bristol, Virginia, affecting about 155 local employees. Those workers are now preparing for what comes next. Shearer's Foods, which supplies snacks such as chips and cookies, has operated the Bristol facility since acquiring it in 2010. After more than 15 years, the company said it will close the plant because production at the facility has declined due to changing customer demand. "I think it's wrong, very wrong," said Bristol resident Jackie Fuller, whose friend is among those losing their job. "She's a good friend, and now here they are going to be without a job," Fuller said. News 5's Natalea Hillen reached out to Shearer's Foods for an interview, but a company spokesperson said no one was available to speak on camera. Instead, the company provided a statement saying the decision followed a review of its operations and that the Bristol facility will stop production on July 31. "It's going to be hurting a lot of people," Fuller said. Team members will remain employed and on payroll through Sept. 26. The company said it also will host onsite job fairs and connect employees with other employment opportunities as they transition. "I heard they was going to try to help them, but it's still the job the money they were getting. I really don't think they're going to find one as good as that one," Fuller said. The company said no decisions have been made about the future of the facility, but it will work with the property owner to evaluate what comes next for the site. SPONSORED CONTENT MORE TO EXPLORE

Ohio snack food maker opening $100M potato chip factory in Moraine. Published June 11, 2026 at 3:31 PM EDT Moraine will soon be home to a manufacturing center for the largest supplier of private brand chips, crackers and other salty snacks. The Ohio-based, Shearer's Foods company was founded in 1974 and currently employs more than 5,000 people across North America with 17 facilities. That number includes its new location in Moraine. Shearer's new factory at 4100 Springboro Pike will kick off operations with a ribbon cutting ceremony from 1 to 3 p.m. June 22. It will bring together members of Shearer's leadership, team members, government officials and community members. "We're excited to celebrate this important milestone in Dayton," Bill Nictakis, Shearer's Foods CEO, said in a statement. "This facility reflects our ongoing focus on growth, innovation, and delivering high-quality snacks to our customers, while also creating new opportunities in the communities where we operate." This will be Shearer's Foods fourth location in Ohio, growing its Midwest footprint. The factory is opening in part of the former General Motorsplant, which has been remodeled to make potato chips and baked chips through a fully automated packaging line. The project was supported with tax credits. Shearer's Foods is also holding a food drive to show its commitment to the local community. The Dayton Foodbank is partnering with Shearer's to co-host the drive during the ribbon cutting. Attendees can bring non-perishable food items to donate.