Hunt-Wesson to Cut 150 Jobs in Fullerton

In an effort to trim costs and remain competitive, Fullerton-based food processor Hunt-Wesson Inc. said Thursday that it has eliminated 150 of the 1,000 jobs at its headquarters.

The employees, who work in many of the company’s administrative departments, were notified Wednesday, according to Hunt-Wesson spokeswoman Kay Carpenter. They will receive a severance package and outplacement services.

Hunt-Wesson employees were told in January that the company planned to consolidate some departments and eliminate positions. But they were not told how many positions would be eliminated or which jobs would be cut, Carpenter said.

Analysts say the cost-cutting is part of an attempt by Hunt-Wesson’s parent, Omaha-based ConAgra Inc., to reduce costs.

“They’ve really been going through a tough time in the last four or five quarters,” said Patrick Schumann, an analyst with Edward Jones in St. Louis. “They’re looking at all their divisions to see where they can cut costs.”

Schumann said ConAgra executives were hoping that improved sales in its processed food business, which includes Hunt-Wesson, would compensate for disappointing results in its commodity division last year.

But Hunt-Wesson’s sales have been sluggish, rising only 1% for the nine months ending in February and dipping 1% in its third quarter, Schumann said.

Hunt-Wesson manufactures Hunt’s tomato sauces, Wesson oils, Orville Redenbacher popcorn and Snack Pack puddings, among other products.

Hunt-Wesson President Ray De Riggi said in a statement that the consolidation was aimed at “creating a leaner, more functionally integrated company with greater ability to respond quickly to retailers and consumers.”