Graphic Packaging International employees learned they will soon lose their jobs as the company plans to close its Menasha location. 230 workers will be impacted.
Sue Appleyard, the senior manager of cooperate communications, says a phase out program will begin in 60 days will last through the end of the year. Graphic Packaging International makes boxes and other food containers in 35 plants across the nation.
Wisconsin's other location is in Wausau. The decision behind the closure appears to be the equipment that are not as efficient as in other plants.
Appleyard tells NBC26 the company is encouraging employees of the Menasha plant to apply for opening in its other locations.
But some of the workers say they're feeling a sense of betrayal tonight. Some employees have been working at the plant for decades.
"Shock. Dismay," lists employee Mark Richardson after the news broke. "It's just a very sad, sad day when any plant closes in this area. I mean, it effects so many people's lives."
For Richardson, the past 33 1/2 years have been spent helping make the branded food packaging plant a success in Menasha.
"It's not a good thing for anybody," adds Richardson. "I'm not going to blame anybody, but... I don't know."
"In the last year we had seen some of our work leave our plant, and go to some other facilities," says Fox Valley Area Labor Council President Mark Westphal.
He says union leaders have been asking for the company to modernize and improve their Menasha plant for years.
Graphic Packaging spokespeople say the decision to close was due to more efficient plants elsewhere.
"Now they have newer plants that they feel will serve their needs better," says Westphal, "so they're ready to cast their Menasha facility to the curb."
And relocation for many employees just isn't an option.
"They own homes, and their families are here," says Westphal, "in the Valley."
As for Richardson, he's not worried for himself.
"It's the kids that are starting out now, that want to make this a career," says Richardson, "and there's nothing left now."
Westphal says they'll be working with the area workforce development board over the next few days to help find these impacted employees. new jobs in the Fox Valley.
