<p>Newell Rubbermaid Inc. said Tuesday it will eliminate 850 production jobs in Wooster, once the showpiece headquarters city of Rubbermaid Inc.</p><p>Plant damage from last months tornado was one of several factors and sped up the decision to end plastics production at the facility, spokeswoman Keri Butler said. Plant damage and business interruption cost the company about $20 million.</p><p>Five years ago, before its takeover by Newell Corp., Rubbermaid had its headquarters in Wooster and employed 1,400 people in the northeast Ohio community.</p><p>The layoffs will leave Wooster with about 350 administrative staff employees, Butler said.</p><p>The production lines to be eliminated make Totes containers, trash cans and food storage items. Some production will be moved to other North American plants.</p><p>It is very important to understand that the tentative closing decision is not a reflection on Wooster or the hard work and dedication of Wooster plant associates, said Ray Johnson, vice president for manufacturing.</p><p>The company said it expects to phase out the jobs by June 30. But the company said it would listen to any union ideas that might save jobs.</p><p>Johnson said production costs are about 10 percent higher in Wooster than other locations but were not the biggest factor.</p><p>The Atlanta-based company notified employees about the layoffs during a series of meetings Tuesday and also informed city officials and Steelworkers Local 302, which represents Rubbermaid production workers.</p><p>I think the economy is actually improving in Wayne County and Wooster, but whenever you lose 850 jobs in a community of this size, youre going to have some trickle-down effects, said Robert Walton, vice president for finance and business at the College of Wooster. I dont think the answer is that were going to be devastated by this ... I think were going to have to make adjustments.</p><p>Messages seeking comment on the announcement were left with the union and the mayor.</p><p>The layoffs reflect a companywide review of its production work and an attempt to trim manufacturing capacity, the company said in a statement.</p><p>This effort is driven largely by our need to make best use of manufacturing resources and eliminate excess capacity, Johnson said.</p><p>Dennis Evans, with Ohios job services agency, said the state was contacting Rubbermaid to offer help finding jobs for laid-off workers and provide any other needed assistance.</p><p>Rubbermaid, Woosters largest employer over the years, also was heavily involved in the community. The Rubbermaid Foundation donated 75 acres used for Wooster High School, and foundation funds helped build a pool and recreation center in the city.</p>
