BATTLE CREEK, MICH. — The Kellogg Co. is laying off workers at its plants in Cary, N.C., and Augusta, Ga., as part of a restructuring initiative designed to streamline operations.

"We continually look to optimize our manufacturing network," said Kris Charles, spokesperson for Kellogg. "We’ve undertaken a program called K-LEAN, or Kellogg’s Lean, Efficient, Agile Network, which is helping Kellogg become more effective and efficient and ensure we have the right structure in place.

"As we simplify and standardize our processes at our (bakeries), some jobs were impacted. Affected employees were notified (Nov. 19). We do not disclose the number of employees at our plants or the number of people impacted, however, I can assure you that we’re taking a fair and thoughtful approach and we are supporting impacted employees through transitions."

The Cary facility makes a wide range of products, including Keebler crackers, Cheez-It crackers, Zoo animal crackers and Austin cookies. Kellogg acquired the plant when it bought Keebler Foods in 2001. Earlier, the facility was owned by Austin Quality Foods.

The Augusta bakery makes cookies and snack packs. Kellogg earlier this fall hired more than 200 workers to run equipment transferred to Augusta from Charlotte, N.C., for making new cookie products for Kashi, Keebler and the Girl Scouts.