Berlin Snack Plant Halt & District 15 Election News

The Snyder of Berlin snack plant in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, concluded operations this week, leaving nearly 96 employees without jobs, according to reports from WJAC-TV. The final day of employment for the staff was Monday, February 9, 2026, nearly two months after layoffs were initially announced.

The plant’s closure marks the end of a 75-year run for the Pennsylvania-based snack food manufacturer, previously known as Snyder of Berlin, but operating as PA Potato Chip Manufacturing LLC. The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (PA DOL) confirmed the permanent shutdown, issuing a WARN notice regarding the job losses.

Despite the closure, activity was observed at the plant on Monday, with cars still present in the parking lot. Plant officials declined to comment directly, deferring inquiries to their parent company, Our Home. Attempts by 6 News to reach Our Home for comment have been unsuccessful since the initial closure announcement.

The PA DOL has been working with Our Home to mitigate the impact on affected employees, hosting four “rapid response” information meetings. A job fair was also held specifically for Snyder of Berlin employees, connecting them with 20 local employers currently seeking workers.

The shutdown comes as Representative Thompson campaigns for re-election in District 15, with a challenger, Bigler, also vying for the position, according to WTAJ-TV. The economic impact of the plant closure on the region is likely to be a key issue in the upcoming election.

Our Home has not publicly stated the reasons for the plant’s closure. The company’s silence continues as the former employees navigate their final week of employment and seek new opportunities.