Union: ConAgra to close 2 western NY plants

DUNKIRK, N.Y. (AP) -- The union representing workers at two ConAgra Foods plants in western New York say the company plans to close the plants, a move that would put more than 400 people out of work.

Representatives with the Service Employees International Union Local 266 tell Buffalo media outlets that ConAgra will close its plants in the neighboring Chautauqua County communities of Dunkirk and Fredonia.

The more than 400 employees at the two plants are expected to be officially notified by the company Wednesday morning.

Union officials say the closings should be completed by February. Food production lines are expected to be moved to other locations, including Buckner, Ky.

Omaha, Neb.-based ConAgra bought the two plants as part of its nearly $5 billion purchase of Ralcorp in November 2012.