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Beloved Cape Cod Potato Chips factory to close in Hyannis
Campbell’s announced Thursday it will shut down the plant and shift production to more efficient facilities.
For generations of Cape visitors, a rainy day wasn’t complete without a stop at the Cape Cod Potato Chips factory in Hyannis, where families could press against plexiglass windows to watch their favorite chips tumble down the production line before receiving a free bag at the end.
That tradition ended during the COVID-19 pandemic, and now Campbell’s has announced that it will close the plant for good after more than 40 years in operation.
The plant, which produces Cape Cod Potato Chips and Kettle Brand chips, will cease operations in April.
Campbell’s said Thursday the company will continue to produce the beloved Cape Cod Potato Chips at other plants in the country.
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“This difficult decision reflects a careful assessment of our business needs to strengthen our operations and position our Snacks business for long-term growth,” Elizabeth Duggan, president of Campbell’s Snacks, said in a statement.
Two brothers, Steve and Jude Bernard, founded Cape Cod Potato Chips on July 4, 1980, in a small storefront located on West Main Street in Hyannis. By 1985, the company had expanded its production facility to the current Hyannis plant.
Lance acquired the brand in 1999, and production continued in Hyannis and other locations.
In 2010, Lance merged with Snyder’s of Hanover to become Snyder’s-Lance.
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The plant became part of Campbell’s network through the 2018 acquisition of Snyder’s-Lance Inc. As the brand grew, production expanded elsewhere, including plants in Beloit, Wisconsin; Charlotte, North Carolina; and Hanover, Pennsylvania.
The Hyannis plant produces only 4% of the total annual volume of Cape Cod Potato Chips, making it no longer economically viable for the business.
The closure of the Hyannis site will impact the roles of 49 employees. The company will provide impacted employees with separation benefits and job placement support.
Campbell’s plans to sell the Hyannis facility after its closure.
Following the closure, Campbell’s said it will continue to invest in the community by offering culinary entrepreneurship programs, workforce development, and career pathways that align with the region’s hospitality needs.
Cape Cod will also continue to be eligible for community impact grants through The Campbell’s Foundation.
The Campbell’s Company is headquartered in Camden, New Jersey, and has more than 20 manufacturing sites across the country. Other brands include Goldflish, Pacific Foods, Pepperidge Farm, Rao’s, and more.
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