FOOD

ConAgra to Close Plants, Cut 6,500 Jobs: The Omaha-based maker of Wesson oil and Armour meats said the moves will lead to a fiscal fourth-quarter charge of $360 million, or $1.57 a share. It said 29 plants will be shut down or restructured, meaning layoffs for 7% of its work force. The company will also sell or restructure nine of its smaller businesses. ConAgra Inc., the nation’s second-largest food company behind Philip Morris Cos.’ Kraft Foods unit, said it expects to save $50 million in the year ending in May 1997, $100 million in fiscal 1998 and $125 million in fiscal 1999. Chief Financial Officer Philip Fletcher said the move is to help make ConAgra more competitive.