By Tom Webb

Pioneer Press, St. Paul, Minn.

General Mills said Thursday it planned to close two manufacturing plants, as it seeks to cut costs.

The Golden Valley-based food maker said it will close a yogurt manufacturing plant in Methuen, Mass., and a cereal manufacturing plant in Lodi, Calif.

The moves will eliminate a total of 574 employees, the company said.

The Lodi plant closure, however, is listed by General Mills as a preliminary decision, and is subject to negotiations with union officials.

On Wednesday, General Mills reported weaker-than-expected financial results, and announced a new round of corporate cost-cutting.

Shares rose 39 cent to $51.22 Thursday.

—Distributed by MCT Information Services