Emporia has suffered through several business closures since early December. An area community is now suffering through an upcoming closure of its own.
ORBIS Corporation is ending all manufacturing work at its Osage City plant, saying the 200,000-square-foot facility’s age, size and configuration don’t lend well to modernization or reconfiguration work. The current plan is to sell the property.
The shutdown essentially continues through September, although presses and certain other equipment will be relocated to other plants in the United States, Canada and Mexico, starting early next month.
The Osage City plant molds reusable trays for different settings in food, beverage and other business categories.
The shutdown affects nearly 80 people. Osage County Economic Development says it is working with Osage City leaders to lead a collaborative effort involving local organizations, state entities and workforce development partners to help those affected. It also says Osage County remains focused on recruiting and retaining a strong, diversified industry base.
