Pactiv Closes California Plant, Cuts 127 Jobs

Pactiv Evergreen is set to permanently close its thermoforming plant in Bakersfield, California, resulting in the loss of 127 jobs beginning October 14, 2025, as announced in a WARN notice to state and local officials. The closure is part of broader operational changes following Novolex's $6.7 billion acquisition of Pactiv Evergreen earlier this year, which created one of the largest food packaging companies in North America with over 50 manufacturing facilities and 14,000 employees. Novolex, majority-owned by Apollo Global Management, has been adjusting its operations since the acquisition, including previous plant closures such as one in Kalamazoo, Michigan, earlier in 2025. The company did not disclose specific reasons for shutting down the Bakersfield plant. The WARN Act requires such advance notifications to ensure affected employees and government entities are informed, and the closure impacts a variety of roles including management, engineers, operators, and maintenance staff. Discussions about a potential additional takeover offer for Pactiv Evergreen by Apollo Global Management have also been reported, indicating ongoing strategic restructuring within the company.