DOVER ‒ Kraton Corp. will be closing its Dover plant, 875 Harger St., in the next couple of months, resulting in the loss of 91 jobs.
Plant manager Stephen Kimbel said the closing was a solely economic decision.
The anticipated closure period is July 7 through July 21, according to information the company provided to the state of Ohio through the WARN (Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification) Act.
In a May 7 announcement from the company, Kraton said it was performing “a strategic realignment of its operations to sharpen its focus on core capabilities and accelerate long-term growth.” As part of that alignment, it was closing the Dover plant and transitioning away from its dimer and polyamides business lines.
“We recognize the impact of this decision and are committed to a safe, respectful and supportive transition,” the company said. “The health, safety and well-being of our employees and the Dover community remain our top priorities. We thank the Dover team for this long-standing commitment to safety and operational excellence.”
Kraton Corp. produces and markets specialty polymer and biobased chemicals.
Kimbel said a manufacturing plant has been located on the Harger Street site for more than 100 years. Kraton has owned the facility for more than five years.
“Affected employees will be eligible for company paid severance and assistance through the State Rapid Response Dislocated Worker Unit,” the company told the state.
What did Dover city leaders say about Kraton closure?
Dover Mayor Shane Gunnoe said city officials received notice of the closure through a call from company management on May 7.
“This obviously came as a shock to us,” he said. “Personally, it’s very sad for me. I know many employees and their families. It’s a sad series of events.”
Local officials reached out and inquired if any incentives from the state or local partners could delay or avert the closure, he said. They were told no by the company.
“We’re working with partners to support those at the site to search for new jobs,” Gunnoe said. “We’re looking at organizing a job fair to be supportive. The primary thing is our hearts and thoughts go out to the employees and their families. We certainly want to support them in any way possible.”
Reach Jon at 330-364-8415 or at jon.baker@timesreporter.com.
This article originally appeared on The Times-Reporter: ‘Sad series of events’: 91 will lose jobs when Kraton Corp. closes Dover plant in July
Reporting by Jon Baker, The Times-Reporter / The Times-Reporter
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