Bayer closing St. Joseph facility. Photo by Nadia Thacker
Bayer Healthcare plans to shut down its St. Joseph facility eliminating more than 100 jobs in the community.
The company had originally said it planned to try to sell its Animal Health production facility located at 3915 S 48th Street Ter. but after looking at the options the company said it’s forced to simply shut the plant down.
“Our intent was to bid off and sell the facility,” said Lauren Dorsch, Sr. Communications Representative. “There weren’t any viable alternatives other than trying to close it. So it’s with a heavy heart that we announce we’re closing the site.”
Bayer said the closure is due to changed market demands and conditions which created excess capacity.
The St. Joseph facility employs around 130 people.
The DVM brand and Expert Care brand of products currently manufactured in St. Joseph will be manufactured at alternative sites and continue to be available as part of the Bayer portfolio. However, all other products produced in St. Joseph will be discontinued and Bayer will sell the products until inventory is exhausted.
The facility will shut down at the end of June, 2015
Dorsch said employees in St. Joseph will be offered a severance package as well as other benefits during the closure.
“In addition to receiving severance and transitional benefits we’re going to work with local leaders to market employment opportunities within the St. Joseph community,” Dorsch said. “In addition, those employees impacted will be receiving notices regarding potential employment opportunities at all Bayer sites, including Shawnee, KS.”
Dorsch said Bayer acquired the St. Joseph facility at the beginning of 2013.