SPIRITWOOD, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – It has been confirmed that the Cargill Malt Plant at the Spiritwood Energy Park will be closing in October.

The news came late Monday, April 16th.

“The decision to close a plant is never easy, but reduced demand for 6-row crops, a North Dakota climate not conducive to the more in-demand 2-row crop and low utilization of the plant made the closure necessary,” reports April Nelson, Corporate Communications for Cargill.

“We want this decision to have the least impact possible on ND growers. Growers were notified that Cargill would not continue its Contract growing program prior to the 2018 season so they could make alternate contracting and growing choices,” Nelson reports.

Cargill Malt will honor all existing contracts, supplying malt out of Spiritwood until the end of September 2018.

Nelson says as far as employees, they have worked in several transition benefits such as severance for salaried employees and will be working closely with the union regarding the effects of this decision for bargaining unit employees.

“All affected employees are also welcome to apply for other open positions within Cargill, either in North Dakota or elsewhere,” Nelson stated.

As far as continuing business in North Dakota, Nelson says Cargill still has over 200 employees at facilities in the state.

“Cargill remains committed to North Dakota. We employ approximately 230 North Dakotans at our West Fargo and Wahpeton ND facilities, and will continue our support and investment in those communities.”

The Spiritwood Cargill Malt Plant employees 55 individuals.