ORANGE CITY, Iowa -- AdvancePierre Foods plans to close its Orange City meat packing plant by year's end, eliminating as many as 300 local jobs.

Mayor Les Douma said the plant manager informed him of the company's plans late Tuesday. Representatives of the Cincinnati, Ohio-based company also notified the affected employees.

One of the largest employers in the Sioux County seat of about 6,000, the plant draws workers from a large area.

"It has a great econimc impact on the entire region," said Douma, who said he was told the plant likely would be shuttered in November or December.

No immediate reason was given for the closure. Attempts to reach company officials for comment late Tuesday were unsucessful.

AdvancePierre was formed through the 2010 merger of Cincinnati-Ohio-based Pierre Foods and Oklahoma City, Okla.-based Advance Food Co. and Advance Brands. 

The company supplies meat products and sandwiches to the food-service, school, retail, club store, vending and convenience store markets.