Harvest Time Bread Co., a national baker for grocery and foodservice customers, is closing its 71,000-sq.-ft. manufacturing plant in Mt. Airy, N.C. The move also involves eliminating 57 local employees.

The closing follows an investment a few years ago of $4.5 million by the company to upgrade the facility located at the Piedmont Triad West Industrial Park and expand production. Todd Tucker, president of the Surry County Economic Development Partnership, says that Harvest Time decided to shut its doors amid declining sales and the loss of customers.

The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Harvest Time Bread Co., headquartered in New Jersey. Harvest Time produces breads, rolls, whole grain and organic products. Tucker says that the building, which is designed for food processing operations, has already garnered interest from potential tenants.

Source: www.bizjournals.com