Sidney Sugars To Close Doors April 14
An economic staple in Eastern Montana for many years appears to be closing its doors.
Sidney Sugars, the sugar beet processing plant owned by American Crystal Sugar Company, has informed its employees that the plant will close its operations beginning on April 14.
The letter to employees stated, “There is not enough interest in growing sugar beets in the area to make it financially sustainable to operate the plant. The layoffs will be permanent and your employment with Sidney Sugars Inc., will end. We do not anticipate recalling anyone to employment.”
A letter to area growers during December of 2022, stated that the company needed about 25,000 acres to be contracted for 2023 to continue operations. Reportedly, 18,400 acres were contracted in 2022.
U.S. Rep. Matt Rosendale, R-Mont., released the following statement, “I am disappointed to hear that American Crystal will be closing the Sidney factory after the conclusion of this year’s campaign. The factory and sugar beet industry have been a large part of Sidney and the surrounding communities for over 100 years. The loss of 300 jobs and millions of dollars in economic impact will certainly be a detriment to our entire region. I am hopeful that this will not be a permanent closure and production can continue in the future.”
U.S. Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mont., said, “Disappointed to hear of the closure of Sidney Sugars in eastern Montana. Ag is critically important to Montana & it’s my hope that this closure will not be permanent. I’ll continue to support commonsense policies in D.C. to grow our economy and create good-paying jobs for Montanans.”
