The Evergreen Packaging Company is closing its factory in Clinton, but the head of the Clinton Regional Development Corporation is looking at the positives in the closure. Mike Kirchoff says he is aware the company sent the required ‘warning’ to the Mayor about closing the Clinton plant and that about 100 employees are affected when the plant closes September 1st.
The company manufactures paperboard containers for a variety of products, including food items. Kirchoff pointed out the positives in the situation. He said 80-percent of site selections start with looking for an available building and Clinton did not have any facilities to offer and the Evergreen Packaging building can be marketed.
He also said having an available skilled work force, like from the Evergreen plant, is also a key and they will be getting information about the workforce that can also be attractive. The company officials stated in a news release the closing was not a reflection of the work done at the plant but a difficult business decision. Employees will be offered a severance package based on the years they worked at the plant.
(Reporting by Dave Vickers, KROS, Clinton)