It was the final day of work for hundreds of employees at London's Kellogg's plant, as the first round of layoffs takes effect.

Roughly 300 workers clocked out for the final time on Friday, marking the beginning of the end for Kellogg’s in London.

"I expected to go out the doors, like every other retiree before me, you know, with the cake, and knowing that everyone and everything else here continues on,” says Greg Lewis. “But, that's not going to happen. It’s a sad day."

Lewis has worked at the plant for 33 years. He could have stayed until Kellogg’s closed for good, but decided to give a junior person a chance to have a few more months of work.

Adam Harper, the father of three young boys, faces an uncertain future after he works his final shift.

"Thirteen years. I grew up here. My dad worked here. I was a kid at those company picnics. It's a family, it's hard."

About one in four Kellogg’s workers have already found new jobs, with another quarter set to retire, but hundreds of families are still left with uncertainty.

Employee Heather Langley says "These people are incredible workers. They are so talented. I'm just really hoping somebody realizes it and picks them up, because I'm telling you, these people have so much to offer and they'll make everyday wonderful for you."

About 150 workers will continue to work after Friday and into December, when Kellogg’s will permanently close just before Christmas.

Local NDP MPPs comment on loss of 300 jobs

London West NDP MPP Peggy Sattler and London-Fanshawe NDP MPP Teresa Armstrong have each released statements on the final day of work for most of London's Kellogg's employees.

Sattler said “I am deeply saddened by the loss of jobs at Kellogg’s today. These were good paying jobs that leave 300 families with an uncertain future after long service to the company. Too many jobs have been lost in London and across the province while Premier Kathleen Wynne calls manufacturing job losses a myth. She has yet to announce any specific strategies to help keep manufacturers in Ontario."

“My heart goes out to the 300 workers who will be laid off today and the 180 workers who are facing layoffs later this year,” Armstrong said. “The Premier has failed to show leadership to get a real jobs strategy to protect and create jobs here. Instead of helping families keep their jobs in London, she is sitting on her hands while jobs go over to the United States...Our offices are available for any of the employees or their families who are in need of assistance during this difficult time."