Ardagh Glass in Salem County, New Jersey Closing, Cutting 290 Jobs

Company officials at Ardagh Glass in Salem, New Jersey have announced that the company will close this fall, according to The South Jersey Times.

The company has been in business for more than 150 years and has employed thousands of people in its history. When it closes, some 290 people will lose their jobs. The company will end its operations on October 15.

According to a statement from the company, “the loss of significant business at the facility,” is the reason behind its closure.

John Riordan, the president and CEO or Ardagh Group, Glass-North America, said the following in a statement: “While this is certainly a difficult day for the Salem facility and its employees, the company remains firmly committed to ensuring the long-term competitiveness of its glass container business. Our company will continue to focus on making the changes required to ensure our lasting success, as we continuously enhance our ability to meet our customers’ demand for high-quality, cost-competitive glass packaging.”

The facility in Salem, New Jersey is the oldest in the country that still manufactures glass containers.

The company said that the Salem plant is the only of the 16 in North America for the company that will be closed.

Salem Mayor Charles Washington Jr. said, “Almost immediately, a conference call with the State Economic Development Office, city officials and high-level representatives of Ardagh was conducted. This dialogue with Ardagh will continue and we will do everything possible to reverse this situation and to minimize its impact. Salem’s revitalization effort will continue to march forward even as we deal with this potential loss.”

The plant’s closure will deal a strong blow to the economy of Salem City and Salem County. County Freeholder Deputy Director Dale Cross said, “It’s unfortunate. We are going to have to see if there is anything we can do to change their minds.”

The plant has been in the city since 1863 and was known as Anchor Glass from 1983 to 2012. It was sold to Ardagh two years ago.

Rick Poynter is the senior vice president of human resources for Ardagh Group, Americas. Poynter said, “Ardagh Group is committed to assisting its Salem employees during this challenging period by providing career counseling, placement support and resume preparation assistance. We will be working with local organizations and other company locations to help identify potential job opportunities. The company will also fully honor all of its commitments under the collective bargaining agreements, and to our employees, customers and suppliers.”

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