Hoffmaster Group to close paper straw operation in Fort Wayne
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Wisconsin-based Hoffmaster Group Inc. is planning to close its location in Fort Wayne that is used to manufacture paper straws. In a notice to the state, the company said the closure will result in the layoffs of 53 employees.
The facility, located at 7310 Innovation Boulevard, is home to Aardvark Straws, which Hoffmaster Group acquired in 2018.
The following year, Hoffmaster Group announced plans for a $9 million investment in a new production facility.
“After careful consideration and a thorough assessment of our operations, Hoffmaster has made the difficult decision to close our manufacturing facility in Fort Wayne, IN,” Hoffmaster CEO Craig Cappel said in a statement to Inside INdiana Business. “This decision was part of a broader initiative to enhance efficiency across our manufacturing network and support future growth. It was made with careful consideration and respect for our Fort Wayne team members whose dedication and performance have been greatly valued.”
Cappel said the company is relocating its paper straw manufacturing operations to its Oconto, Wisconsin plant.
The first round of layoffs in Fort Wayne is slated to begin on Oct. 3, with another round scheduled for Nov. 7. The company said the move is expected to be permanent, and the affected workers are not represented by a union.
The workers being laid off include industrial engineering technicians, assemblers and fabricators, and general and operations managers.
Hoffmaster Group said separation benefits will be provided to the employees, but specific details were not given.