Chester County factory to close, resulting in layoffs for multiple workers.
Whitford Corporation, a prominent manufacturer based in Elverson, Chester County, will close its facility and lay off approximately 82 employees over the coming months. The announcement follows a notice filed with the state, indicating that operations at the Elverson plant are set to cease by January 15, 2025, with the official closure planned for March.
Whitford Corporation was acquired by PPG Industries, Inc., a Pittsburgh-based global coatings and paints manufacturer, in 2019. According to the closure notice, this decision is part of PPG’s strategic initiative to reduce structural costs globally. A spokesperson from PPG stated that the company continuously assesses its production landscape to ensure sustainable growth and adaptability to customers’ evolving needs. The spokesperson emphasized that this move aims to enhance product quality and expedite service delivery while reducing operational costs.
The workforce at the Elverson plant comprises various professionals, including production operators, material handlers, quality control technicians, and development chemists, all of whom will be impacted by the layoffs. The facility is responsible for manufacturing adhesives, sealants, and liquid coating products, which PPG intends to relocate to other production sites.
The layoffs will occur in phases, commencing on August 18, 2024, and extending through December 2024. Whitford has a longstanding history, having been established in Elverson in 1969. Before its acquisition by PPG, the company specialized in coatings for diverse industries such as automotive, aerospace, energy, and construction, and produced non-stick coatings for kitchen appliances. At that time, Whitford operated ten manufacturing facilities across the globe, including locations in India, China, and Canada, with an employee base of around 700.
The decision to close the Pennsylvania facility aligns with a broader multi-year cost reduction program announced by PPG in October 2023, which includes closing multiple plants and reducing 1,800 jobs. PPG, operating in over 70 countries, reported net sales of .8 billion in 2024, highlighting its significant presence in the coatings industry.
Employees affected by the Elverson closure will have the opportunity to transfer to other PPG facilities, although specific details regarding alternative locations and the number of expected transfers remain undisclosed. This closure represents a challenging moment for the local workforce and reflects ongoing shifts within the manufacturing sector.
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