Cape Cod Potato Chips to Close Hyannis Plant, Eliminate 49 Jobs

Campbell's to move production to other states, continuing Massachusetts business exodus

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Cape Cod potato chips, a Massachusetts icon, will be shutting down its Hyannis manufacturing plant in April, resulting in the loss of 49 jobs. The decision by parent company Campbell's to relocate production to facilities in North Carolina, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania is the latest in a series of business closures and relocations that have hit the state, raising concerns about Massachusetts' eroding business climate.

Why it matters

The closure of the Cape Cod potato chip plant is seen as a symptom of broader challenges facing businesses in Massachusetts, including high taxes, strict regulations, and a less competitive environment compared to other states. The departure of this iconic brand, whose identity is so closely tied to the state, is viewed as a worrying sign that Massachusetts is struggling to retain and attract private-sector jobs.

The details

The Cape Cod potato chip plant has operated in Hyannis for over 40 years. Its closure follows the recent announcements of other Massachusetts business closures and layoffs, including Thermo Fisher Scientific shutting down its Franklin facility, Panera Bread closing its fresh dough facility in Franklin, and Zipcar moving its Boston-area headquarters to New Jersey. The Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance attributes these departures to Beacon Hill policies that have created a less favorable business climate compared to other states.

  • The Cape Cod potato chip plant will close in April 2026.
  • Thermo Fisher Scientific announced it will lay off over 100 workers as it shuts down its Franklin facility.
  • Panera Bread is closing its fresh dough facility in Franklin in March 2026, eliminating 92 jobs.
  • Zipcar will close its Boston-area headquarters and move operations to New Jersey in April 2026, resulting in 126 layoffs.

The players

Cape Cod potato chips

A Massachusetts-based potato chip brand that has operated a manufacturing plant in Hyannis for over 40 years.

Campbell's

The parent company of Cape Cod potato chips that has decided to close the Hyannis plant and relocate production to other states.

Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance

A non-profit organization that attributes the closure of the Cape Cod potato chip plant and other business departures from Massachusetts to unfavorable state policies and a less competitive business environment.

Marty Bruemmel

The executive director of the Greater Hyannis Chamber of Commerce, who stated that the challenges faced by Massachusetts businesses, including high taxes and strict regulations, cannot be ignored.

Paul Craney

The executive director of the Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance, who warned that the state continues to lose too many businesses to other states with lower costs and a more competitive business environment.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Massachusetts cannot even keep Cape Cod potato chips in Cape Cod.”

— Paul Craney, Executive Director, Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance (Boston Herald)

“When a company whose entire identity is tied to this state decides it no longer makes economic sense to operate here, that should set off alarm bells on Beacon Hill.”

— Paul Craney, Executive Director, Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance (Boston Herald)

“The challenges faced by Massachusetts businesses — high state taxes, strict regulations and other policies — can't be ignored.”

— Marty Bruemmel, Executive Director, Greater Hyannis Chamber of Commerce (Boston Herald)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.