Evergreen Recycling closes rPET facilities

CLYDE — Evergreen Recycling abruptly shut down its rPET facilities in both Clyde and Albany, New York, on Feb. 24, leaving more than 160 local employees without jobs, according to a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification letter sent to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. The notice states the closure of the Clyde facility, located at 202 Watertower Dr., is permanent, and will result in the loss of 163 positions locally and about 247 jobs company-wide. A majority of the layoffs occurred that same day, with remaining layoffs expected to be completed by April 24. The company attributed the shutdown to actions taken earlier this month by its revolving credit facility lender, saying the lender swept the company's cash reserves on Feb. 13 and later indicated it would cease funding operations entirely, as well as to take control of working capital assets. While Evergreen has stated they were pursuing potential buyers, they were ultimately unsuccessful. The Clyde facility is not unionized, and thus bumping rights are not available to affected workers. Per the notice, the Albany facility's union was notified separately. Affected positions include operations, maintenance, shipping and receiving, quality control, administrative roles and executive leadership. Employees were provided information about unemployment assistance and encouraged to contact Ohio Job and Family Services to learn about available services. Several posts on social media from apparent former employees have suggested the closure came as a shock, with some talking about their search for new employment and others in the community offering support and job leads. Other online discussions have referenced the federal WARN Act, which generally requires advance notice of mass layoffs. A Chicago-based law firm, Strauss Borrelli PLLC, has stated publicly they are reviewing the closure and have invited affected workers to contact the firm regarding potential rights under the law. Evergreen Recycling did not respond to The Advertiser-Tribune's request for comment by deadline Friday.