In a significant development for the local economy, the Asenzya spice plant in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, is set to close its doors in December 2024, resulting in the permanent layoff of 88 employees. This closure was announced on October 3, 2024, with a formal layoff notice issued on October 7. At the time of its acquisition by Solina USA in 2021, the plant employed over 145 workers, but the current workforce has dwindled due to ongoing business adjustments [6fe2ef7b].
Solina USA has cited changing business needs as the primary reason for the closure, which is scheduled for December 20, 2024. The affected employees range from packaging operators to the plant manager, highlighting the diverse roles impacted by this decision [6fe2ef7b].
Despite the impending job losses, Wisconsin's unemployment rate remains relatively low, with Oak Creek reporting a rate of 2.5% and the statewide average at 2.9%. However, the closure of the Asenzya plant adds to the growing list of layoffs in the state, which have affected over 6,264 workers as of October 2024 [6fe2ef7b].