ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Bimbo Bakeries announced Tuesday it is closing its Albuquerque bakery.

In a statement, the company will close by mid-April this year. The factory currently employs 149 associates. 

They say a recent assessment of the bakery showed volume loss, as well as the aging facility, made this bakery inconducive to our company growth plans.

The full statement from Bimbo Bakeries is below:

Bimbo Bakeries USA (BBU) announced today that it will cease operations at this bakery by mid-April 2024. The bakery produces bread and buns and currently employs 149 associates. A recent assessment of our Albuquerque, New Mexico bakery concluded that volume loss, as well as the aging facility, made this bakery inconducive to our company growth plans. Bimbo Bakeries USA will shift production to other bakeries in the company’s manufacturing network.

“This was a difficult decision because of the highly engaged team of associates at the Albuquerque Bakery,” said Jessica Santiago, Regional Director of Operations.

Human resources representatives will meet with associates and union representatives to discuss severance and other benefits, as well as resources available to assist associates in this time of transition. 

“We value and respect our associates and will assist them as we can,” said Santiago. 

Mayor Tim Keller’s office issued the following statement on the closure:

“We appreciate the contributions that the Bimbo Bakery plant has made to our community over the years and the families who it has supported, and are exploring ways to help those employees transition, whether that’s by connecting them to jobs with the City or to jobs with other companies in Albuquerque, many of whom are hiring and looking for great employees.”

City Councilor Joaquin Baca, who represents the area Bimbo is in, issued this statement:

The closing of any business is regrettable during any time period.  Bimbo Bakery has been an asset in the North Valley community for decades.  This closure affects not only the 149 workers and their families; it also affects the people in ABQ District 2 and Bernalillo County.  I will work with area businesses and with Bernalillo County officials to find ways to help these employees transition and continue to provide for their families.