In July 2015, Kraft Foods Group Inc. announced its plans to merge with H.J. Heinz Co., creating the third-largest food and beverage company in the United States. The manufacturers of household staples such as Kraft Macaroni & Cheese, and Heinz Ketchup, are targeting and shutting down facilities nationwide in an effort to consolidate production and cut costs. With this decision, The Kraft Heinz Co. has determined the fate of 2,600 employees. Among them are the 400 workers in Upper Macungie who will be left unemployed by the end of 2016. "It's tough," said Michael Mullen, the senior vice president of Kraft Heinz Co. "At the same time, we regret the impact our decision will have on employees and the Upper Macungie community. We know that communities such as those, where Kraft Heinz is the major employer, will be especially impacted by our decision." Lehigh Valley's facility is one of seven Kraft manufacturing plants in the nation that will be closing.