"IFF has finalized its integration plans related to the acquisition of Frutarom … and the Company has determined that it is necessary to close down certain operations located in Cincinnati, OH," according to a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Act Notice received Nov. 1 by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services' Office.
MORE: Butler County is among Ohio’s best at creating jobs. How has that happened?
An IFF spokesperson not be reached for comment Monday.
Other recent layoffs in the area include two facilities in Warren County:
• Addition Manufacturing Technologies said on Aug. 7 that it intended by around end of that month to shut down its plant at 1637 Kingsview Drive in Lebanon, resulting in 119 layoffs.
• Auto lender Security National Automotive Acceptance Company, at 6951 Cintas Blvd. in Mason, said on Aug. 8 it planned to suspend all operations of SNAAC and “due to an unforeseen and unprecedented downturn in business,” with 150 employees expected to lose their jobs.
The expected closing of the West Chester plant, which IFF took control of when it purchased by Israel-based flavors company Frutarom in 2018, would occur by Dec. 31, at the earliest, or by Feb. 28, 2020, March 31, 2020 or May 31, 2020, “unless relocation is applicable,” IFF said in the WARN notice.
MORE: These big projects along I-75 are showing region’s economic strength
Last week, the company inaugurated a food service and seasonings center in Carrollton, Texas.
In a statement issued last week, IFF said the new site, which is located near its existing facility, “greatly expands its ability to provide innovative offerings to its customers and represents a significant investment into its food service strategy, as well as its value-add seasonings and savory solutions.”
“With last year’s acquisition of Frutarom, our teams have been working to leverage the increased offerings, such as colors, inclusions, nutritional ingredients and natural food protection, to the benefit of our customers,” IFF Taste CEO Matthias Haeni said, “The new site, with more space, state-of-the-art culinary equipment, and a beautiful customer co-creation space, will allow us to bring more of our resources to the fore and greatly expand innovation in this strategic area of growth.”
Frutarom’s closing follows a decade of growth in the township. In 2011, Frutarom acquired Flavor Systems International of West Chester Twp., on Commerce Park Drive, for approximately $35 million.
Frutarom USA Inc. announced in 2015 it planned to consolidate operations and production to create a U.S. headquarters at its existing West Chester facilities.
In 2018, IFF acquired Frutarom, one of the 10 largest flavoring companies in the world, for approximately $7.1 billion. IFF has more than 110 manufacturing facilities and 100 research-and-development centers.
“Frutarom’s announcement leaves about 90 employees and families experiencing job loss, which is always difficult,” said Aaron Wiegand, the township’s director of community development. “West Chester empathizes with their circumstances and will work with the REDICincinnati, Butler County Ohio Means Jobs and The Chamber Alliance of West Chester/Liberty to retain this valuable workforce in the community.”
Record low unemployment in the area thanks to West Chester’s continued thriving industrial sector provides hope for those affected, Wiegand said.
About the Author
