Mission Bell Winery, established in Madera County in 1919, is set to close due to losing a distributor contract with Gallo. Photo via Google Street View

Two industrial businesses in Madera have announced their impending closures, resulting in up to 300 lost jobs.

The Mission Bell Winery in Madera is preparing to lay off more than 200 workers after its distributor contract with industry giant Gallo ends March 31, reported KMPH news.

Employees were notified Tuesday, reported KMPH.

Mission Bell Winery is owned by Constellation Brands, which is Madera County’s largest manufacturer.

The winery was established by Krikor Arakelian in 1919. It is located at 12667 Road 24

In another blow, Madera officials said JBT FoodTech filed a required notice under the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act that it would be laying off its workforce at 2300 W. Industrial Ave. in Madera. JBT manufactures equipment for the food processing industry.

Layoffs at JBT FoodTech are expected to be done in phases beginning in October, with a December 2026 targeted closure.

Few other details are known about the JBT FoodTech news.

Madera County Supervisor David Rogers issued a statement Thursday on the business closures.

“These closures will result in approximately 300 job losses for workers and their families in our community. This is a challenging situation for those directly impacted, and I want to assure them that Madera County is prepared to help during this transition. The affected employees have played an important role in our local economy, and their skills remain valuable,” Rogers said.

Officials said the move by JBT FoodTech may be part of a relocation of some operations outside of California.

A JBT FoodTech operation at 8250 W. Doe Ave. in Visalia will continue, KMPH reported.

Rogers said he encourages everyone impacted by closures in his District 2 to contact the Madera County Workforce Assistance Center right away.

They provide free services including job search support, resume assistance, interview preparation, career counseling, skills training and connections to new employment opportunities.