Refresco to close Walla Walla facility, laying off 58 workers
By Griffin Beach on Friday, March 6th, 2026 in Columbia Basin News Columbia Basin Top Stories
WALLA WALLA – Refresco Beverages US Inc. will permanently close its manufacturing operations in Walla Walla in May, resulting in the layoff of 58 employees.
In a letter to the Washington Employment Security Department, Refresco Director of Human Resources Virginia Sandoval said the company decided to discontinue operations at the Dell Avenue facility after a “careful consideration and thorough evaluation.”
The announcement was made public through a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) notice. According to the filing, the closure affects the primary facility at 1164 Dell Ave. and associated warehouses at 1102, 1104, and 1106 Dell Ave.
Refresco expects to cease manufacturing operations on or about May 2. While the majority of the workforce will be let go at that time, a small number of employees will remain on-site through June to assist with decommissioning.
The company expects to fully close the facilities by June 12, with final site work concluding by June 26.
Walla Walla City Manager Elizabeth Chamberlain said the letter was also provided to the city which was appreciated considering state law does not require notice to the city.
“The city is disappointed to see Refresco close its location in Walla Walla, but understand it is their business decision to do so,” added Chamberlain.
