H.J. Heinz Co. is shutting down its condiments and sauces plant in Chatsworth and laying off 145 employees, the San Fernando Valley Business Journal has learned.

The Pittsburgh food company is moving the work done in the San Fernando Valley to factories in Mason, Ohio or Jacksonville, Fla. sharing the same manufacturing capabilities and processes. The local plant is expected to close by the end of July.

Heinz spokesman Michael Mullen said the decision to close the 9140 Lurline Ave. location was made following a review of the company’s North American supply chain, including its capacity utilization.

“This difficult decision was the result of a comprehensive evaluation to maximize efficiencies, reduce excess capacity and to help make Heinz more competitive in a challenging global business environment,” Mullen said in an emailed statement to the Business Journal.

Heinz acquired the Chatsworth plant as part of its purchase in 1994 of Borden Foodservice Group from Borden Inc. At the time, the facility employed about 370 workers. Today there are about 145 employees.

It manufactures single serve cup and pouch condiments and sauces, as well as bulk sauces and dressings.

The state’s Employee Development Department was notified on May 27 that the plant would be closing when Heinz filed a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification, required when an employer will lay off 50 or more employees.

Heinz will work with the employees losing their jobs and local and state agencies on providing separation benefits and outplacement services to them, Mullen said in his statement.