Plastics factory closing to hit 117 in Winthrop

The closing of Wilbert Plastic Services announced today will eliminate 117 jobs in Winthrop by mid-year.

The North Carolina-based company broke the news to employees Friday, saying the decision was due to "dramatic changes in demand and economic conditions within the industry."

The plant is a longtime Winthrop employer, which has kept some workers employed for a quarter-century or more.

Wilbert Plastic provides thermoformed plastics components to John Deere and other customers.

Work from the palnt will be relocated to Wilbert Plastic operations in Minnesota and North carolina, the company said in a brief statement. The work will be relocated by mid-year.

Buchanan County Economic Development Commission Director Nate Clayberg, who only recently began his position, said the closing came as a surprise.

Wilbert Plastic said employees will be given the opportunity to relocate where there are job opportunities within the organization.