Rubbermaid to eliminate 850 jobs in Wooster

<p>Newell Rubbermaid said Tuesday that it will eliminate 850 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.</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 $20 million in tornado damage to the plant on Nov. 12 also played a role in the decision, Johnson said. Part of the roof was ripped off in the storm.</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>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>The company expects to sell the plant complex.</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>Freeport, Ill.-based Newell Co. acquired Rubbermaid Inc. in 1998.</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>

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