Jan. 31, 2018 – Fond du Lac, WI – The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development issued a press release late on Tuesday announcing a mass layoff notice for Saputo Cheese USA, Inc. of 45 E. Scott Street, Fond du Lac.
A letter from Suputo Senior Vice President of Human Resources Bruce Unterbrunner dated this past Monday was sent to the DWD to inform them of the closure as part of the state’s business laws.
“As part of our strategic objectives and to expand our market position in the U.S. and improve the overall performance of our U.S. manufacturing assets, Saputo analyzes its U.S. manufacturing platform and implements initiatives to improve operational efficiencies,” wrote Unterbrunner. “As part of this comprehensive evaluation process, Saputo has reached the difficult decision to completely and permanently close the Fond du Lac plant.”
According to Unterbrunner, the company expects the closure to take place by June 1. He cites the age of the facility and the “magnitude of likely capital investments that would be required at the Fond du Lac plant in the future” as the primary reasons for the decision.
The closure will result in the loss of jobs of 102 hourly employees represented by the General Teamsters Union and 18 non-bargaining employees.
Layoffs are expected to begin on March 31 or within 14 days thereafter, according to Unterbrunner.
Story courtesy Tricia Rose owner and publisher of the Clintonville Chronicle
