Marel, formerly Townsend Engineering, is moving its manufacturing from Des Moines to Gainesville, Ga., as part of changes that will cost 150 workers their jobs.

The company announced it will establish an innovation center focusing on meat and further processing industries at the Des Moines facilities, but the statement didn’t say specifically what will happen there or how many employees will remain in Des Moines. Marel plans to sell its land here.

Marel said that after the 150 layoffs, its total employment will be 600.

The transition will begin this month and be completed by the end of the year, Marel reported.

More details are expected when the company reports its 2014 results on Feb. 4.

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