Fort Myers, FL – A major employer in Lee County is set to shut down operations this summer, leaving more than 100 workers without jobs in Southwest Florida.
According to a WARN Act notice issued Monday, Peterson Brands will permanently close its facility located at 9910 Bavaria Road in Fort Myers, with the shutdown taking effect Friday, June 27, 2026. The closure will impact 135 employees, representing the entire workforce at the site.
The company stated that all affected employees have been notified of their separation dates, which will also be finalized by June 27. The layoffs are permanent, and no bumping rights will be offered, meaning employees cannot displace others based on seniority. Officials also confirmed there is no union representation at the facility.
The notice, submitted to state rapid response officials, indicates that the shutdown is part of a planned action by the company, though no specific reason for the closure was included in the document.
Peterson Brands is part of the Peterson Farms family of companies, a Michigan-based food production and distribution group with operations across multiple states.
Local workforce agencies are expected to coordinate assistance efforts, which may include job placement services, retraining programs, and unemployment support for affected workers in the Fort Myers and greater Lee County area.
Employees seeking additional information were directed to contact company human resources leadership for guidance on next steps.
This closure marks one of the larger job losses in the region this year, raising concerns about economic ripple effects for surrounding businesses and the local labor market.
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