Plant manager, Frank Sanderson, told News-Leader that the atmosphere was sad while the 465 employees spend their last days at the plant.

Officials announced the plant would close in August when Tyson, the biggest contractor, pulled its contract from the plant.

Mr Sanderson said he has been trying to find another contract to come into the plant as quickly as possible.

"I'm still optimistic, but I don't have anything on the dotted line," he said. "We’re still trying to pursue other countries or possibly a buyer for our plant in Buffalo."