BRUNSWICK, Ga. — The Brunswick manufacturing plant that ignited a massive fire in April, is set to shut down permanently, according to a release sent from Pinova, Inc. Wednesday.
The fire which happened on Apr. 15, destroyed core production assets and infrastructure which caused all site operations to be shut down since that day, the news release states. After review, Pinova announced the permanent closure of the Brunswick site due to it requiring substantial demolition, reconstruction, costs and time.
"This is a difficult decision, considering all our talented employees and the long history of the site in Brunswick, but one made after careful review," Ron Kurtz, director of operations, said in a release. "We are committed to treating employees with respect and fairness and to close the site in line with our values. Pinova appreciates the value that employees have brought to the company."
Two people suffered from minor burn injuries caused by the fire. In addition, the Glynn County Board of Commissioners asked residents in a one-mile radius of the plant, to shelter in place or evacuate the area. Before the fire incident, the site was manufacturing rosin and polyterpene resins used in a variety of industries, including in food production and in the production of some adhesive products.
Employees were notified of the planned closure Wednesday. More than 200 employees will be impacted by the layoffs, which will occur in a phased manner to safely wind down, decommission and close the production site in compliance with all regulatory standards, according to the release. Pinova will provide severance, career counseling and support transitioning to future employment with employees during the transition.
Wind down activities including emptying tanks and disassembling equipment will begin soon, although full shutdown is expected to take eighteen months. Potential future use of the property will also be evaluated.