Manufacturer To Close Plant, Lay Off More Than 200 in Butner

BUTNER, N.C. – SanduskyAthol, a manufacturer of trim products for cars and trucks, is closing a facility in Butner that will result in the loss of more than 200 jobs, according to a Granville County economic development spokesperson.

The company has filed a notice with the state that said it would “permanently” lay off more than 100 workers at one of two plants it operates in Butner.

Leon Turner, executive director of the Granville Economic Development Commission, told WRAL reporter Julia Lewis on Friday that the plant was closing.

In a so-called WARN notice sent to the North Carolina Department of Employment and Training, SanduskyAthol said the affected plant was located at 100 22nd Street in Butner.

SanduskyAthol operates two plants in Butner, a coated fabrics facility at the 22nd street address and a trim products plant on 20th Street.

Company officials did not return phone calls from WRAL seeking information.

Edward Siemer, the director of human resources for the company who signed the letter sent to the state, is no longer with the company, said an operator answering the phone at the SanduskyAthol office.

WARN stands for worker adjustment and retraining notification.

The company sent the notice to the N.C. Department of Employment and Training dated March 8. A spokesperson for the department said the notice was received on March 14. The layoffs were to begin on March 9, the report said.