KUNIA, Hawaii -- About 700 pineapple workers at Del Monte received word on Friday that they are out of jobs.

Del Monte shut down its operations on Friday. In February, the company told its workers that it would end its crop planting and harvesting in 2008.

Del Monte officials also informed the union and the governor that the company was moving up the closure date.

The union representing Del Monte employees said it was as surprised as the workers about the sudden closure.

"We were caught flat-footed. Theoretically flat-footed because we were told in the past, once we went through negotiations we were told 'Don't worry, Del Monte's here to stay.' (We) find out later that Del Monte's closing," said Earl Totten of the ILWU.

Union officials scheduled a meeting again on Tuesday.

The plantation will officially close on Jan. 22. By filing a notice on Friday, it fulfilled the state requirement for 60-day notice.

Gov. Linda Lingle said that the state will do everything it can to cushion the blow from the layoffs.

Officials plan to help workers know their rights and benefits.

Del Monte officials have cited the cost of production for the reason it planned to close. They said the company could buy the pineapple for lower cost in many places.