Dean Food factory closes in Rochester, laying off 138

After years as a landmark in Fulton County, the historic Dean Foods factory will close its doors, laying off 138 employees by October.

The announcement came as a surprise to several employees, who learned of the closure on Tuesday.

In an email, a spokesman for Dean Foods said the change "reflects the need to remove redundancy in our operations."

Dean Foods also maintains factories in Huntington and Decatur. Employees told WSBT 22 that Dean would allow them to transfer to the other locations.

"We regret the impact that this result will have on our employees and our community," said Dustin Cox with Dean Foods.

The news comes as a shock not only to the employees but to those who cherished their memories at the factory.

"I remember going as a girl scout and seeing cottage cheese raked with a garden rake," laughed long-time resident Angel Skidmore, who lives near the factory.

Skidmore is worried for the dozens of men and women inside the factory whose fate with the companyis already decided.

"It put them to work all these years," said Skidmore. "Now they're going to be out of a job. The economy is bad enough."

Businesses in thetown of 6,000know this could be a sign for the future.

"As a result of that there will be less money to be spent in the community," said Dick's Drive-In Owner Laura Dewald. "I think the whole community will be suffering as a result of this."

Dewald says what is happening in Rochester is happening across the country.

"It's making it more difficult for the people to make a nice living," said Dewald.

Thedecision to leave will also come at a cost to the city. The factoryalone contributes 30% of the city's budgetfor water and waste-water. A spokeswoman told WSBT 22 she doesn't know what the city will do to make up for that money.

While questions remain about the future, Skidmore saysshe hopes the community will rally behind those looking for jobs.

"It's going to be bad for everybody," said Skidmore. "I think anyone who has a job better be thankful they have one."