Food safety company to layoff 50 workers in central Alabama

A major shift is hitting the central Alabama workforce as Fortrex, a food safety company, has officially signaled plans to lay off 50 employees. The notice, filed with the state, marks yet another personnel reduction for the firm.

Company Rebranding and Layoff Timeline

Atlanta-based Fortrex—formerly recognized as Packers Sanitation Services Inc., which recently underwent a corporate rebranding—confirmed the incoming job cuts in a filing on Aug. 20. According to the state WARN notice, the layoffs are scheduled to take effect on Sept. 11, specifically impacting operations in Blountsville, located about 50 miles north of Birmingham in Blount County. A representative for the company declined to comment on the matter.

A Pattern of Workforce Reductions

This announcement adds to a history of mass layoffs across Alabama for the company. Between March 2023 and December 2024, the organization reduced its headcount by more than 400 employees across Eufaula, Russellville, Valley, and Guntersville. Beyond employment fluctuations, the company has faced significant public scrutiny, including a track record of major workplace injuries, federal fines for the illegal hiring of over 100 children in various states, and serious accusations regarding the exposure of workers to dangerous conditions during equipment sanitization.

2026 Economic Impact

Under federal regulations, large employers must submit WARN notices to the Alabama Department of Workforce to notify the public of upcoming plant closures or significant staff cuts. With these latest losses, the total number of Alabama employees affected by mass layoffs and facility closures has climbed to more than 2,200 since the start of 2026. 205focus.com will continue to monitor the state’s employment trends as these updates occur.