In an effort to cut costs after its October acquisition of Pillsbury, General Mills reports that it will close two of its plants in Illinois and Texas, eliminating 372 jobs. The plant in Geneva, Illinois manufactures frozen Pillsbury breakfast products, while the plant in Anthony, Texas manufactures
ingredients and sauces for Mexican products. Both plants will be sold, according to a news release from the company, and will reportedly save an estimated $28 million. At the same time, General Mills says it expects to earn higher-than-forecasted savings from its acquisition. Stating it will likely exceed an original goal of acquisition-related cost savings of $250 million in fiscal 2003 and $400 million by 2003, the company says it expects to provide an update on the savings this June. "We see a lot of upside," says Steve Sanger, chairman and chief executive. "We're very pleased with the way the arrangement is going overall. We believe when we complete our spring planning process we will be able to