Guida's Dairy plant in New Britain closing, hundreds being laid off

A major blow to Connecticut’s dairy industry: Guida’s Dairy in New Britain is set to close, putting more than 200 people out of work and marking the end of a nearly century-old presence in the city.

The plant, which opened in New Britain more than 90 years ago, will shut down at the end of July. A total of 205 workers will lose their jobs.

“It’s not good. It’s bad news. I don’t know what to say. I feel sorry for the people that work there,” said Edwin Lopez, a New Britain resident.

Guida’s is now owned by Dairy Farmers of America, a national cooperative. In a statement, the company said, “…this was not a decision made lightly. The decision reflects changes needed to best serve our farmer owners and customers.”

The cooperative added that it will provide affected workers with resources and guidance.

The closure is expected to ripple beyond the plant itself, impacting nearby businesses.

“Somebody just told me this morning that they’re going to shut down. I said, ‘Wow, that’s crazy,’” said Rupinder Singh, owner of East Side Liquor Outlet, which is right near the plant.

Singh said some workers are regular customers and worry about the impact on sales.

The shutdown comes during an already challenging period for Connecticut’s dairy industry, which has been dealing with rising costs.

New Britain Mayor Bobby Sanchez also weighed in, saying in part: “This closure is not just the loss of a business, it is the loss of a piece of New Britain history.”

There are also housing-related questions tied to the company. Guida’s Dairy owns apartments next to the plant, and some residents say they have not received information about what happens next.

“I haven’t got no notice that we got to move out. So let’s see,” Lopez said.

A spokesperson for Dairy Farmers of America said the cooperative is looking into plans for those apartments.

The company said milk customers will not be affected by the closure.

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