One of the largest employers in northeast Montana will be closing in April this year.
Sidney Sugars Incorporated announced Monday, February 6, 2023, that it is slated to begin plant closure procedures starting April 14, 2023, due to inadequate “interest in growing sugar beets to sustain operations,” according to the company.
The Fort Peck Tribes Tribal Employment Rights Office has been putting tribal members to work at Sidney Sugars Factory for years. Sidney Sugars would set up recruitment tables at tribal job fairs. Transportation for the workers to Sidney was provided by Transportation and TERO.
The Montana-Dakota Beet Growers Association determined there were inadequate sugar beets to keep the 100-year-old factory open. For example, in the 1990s, nearly 45,000 acres were under contract with local sugar beet growers. In 2022, 18,400 acres were contracted, a large dip from the 30,774 acres in 2021
Employees have already been notified and will receive severance packages and resources in finding new employment with the American Crystal Sugar Company at other factories.
The company has employed about 300 people to keep it operational. Sugar beet growers will receive their final payment in November 2023.
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