A longtime manufacturing facility in Rome is set to close, as Tyson Foods announces it will cease operations at its plant on Darlington Drive later this spring.

According to the Rome News-Tribune, the facility’s closure marks the end of more than five decades of operations at the site, which originally opened in 1972 as the Coosa Baking Company. The plant has produced well-known items including Nature Valley granola bars and became part of Tyson Foods after the company acquired Hillshire Brands in 2014.

In a statement, Tyson Brands Corporate & Brand Communications Vice President Laura Burns called the decision difficult, acknowledging the impact on both employees and the community.

“We recognize the impact this has on our team members and the Rome community. Supporting our people is our top priority,” Burns said, adding that affected workers are being encouraged to apply for other positions within the company while state and local partners assist during the transition.

Details about how many employees will be affected have not yet been released, but the closure is expected to have a significant impact on the local workforce.