ST LOUIS -- lodge USA will shut do...

ST LOUIS -- lodge USA will shut down three plants in the St Louis area by way of mid-2006 and shift production to facilities in Bloomington and Itasca, IL, and Mexico. The company cites intense competition as the reason for its decision.

The plants being clos bring into view SweeTarts, Tangy Taffy, Bottle Caps, Kibbles, Zaps, riot Fun Dip and Pixy Stix.

The 383 employee being laid along will be given the opportunity to apply for do job-works at other Nestle facilities, according to a company spokeswoman.

In related moderns Vevy, Switzerland-based Nestle SA