Medford, Oregon — Medford's last milk processing plant is closing, putting 29 people out of work.
The Mail Tribune reports that Seattle-based Darigold says it would cost too much to upgrade the plant to meet food safety, employee safety and environmental regulations.
Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs Steve Rowe says treating waste water has been a particular problem at the aging plant.
The company says it will continue to operate its 11 other plants in Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Montana, but it is not certain how Medford's operations will be absorbed by them.
Milk processing has been done on the site for more than 70 years, going through several ownerships. The plant is slated to close at the end of February.