DeKalb County plant to close in 2010, idling about 55

Greater Fort Wayne Business Weekly

An Ashley factory plans to close in 2010, a company official told the Star in Auburn Wednesday.

About 55 people will lose their jobs at Bio-Lab, a Chemtura company, plant manager Chris Petersen said in an interview.

"This decision is in no way reflective of the outstanding work and talented people that have served our company at the Ashley facility," Petersen said. "This was a difficult decision to make. We recognize the impact it will have on the employees and surrounding community."

The company manufactures the Works, a toilet-bowl cleaner that is sold across the United States.

"As part of the restructuring, Chemtura is consolidating certain manufacturing and distribution processes at its facility in Conyers, Ga., which will result in closure of the company's facility in Ashley," Petersen said.

"Our goal is to keep people employed as long as possible," Petersen said.

Chemtura filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection earlier this year.

"Some of the actions require approval from the United States Bankruptcy Court ... We are, however, planning in anticipation of receiving such approval," a media statement said.

The company owns a 75,000-square-foot manufacturing plant and a 100,000-square-foot distribution center in Ashley.

"Chemtura is confident these actions will better position their consumer products business to meet their customers' needs while allowing for long-term success," the statement said.

Petersen added that employees will be offered severance and out-placement services.