SYLACAUGA — Fertilizer producer United Industries Corporation, a subsidiary of Spectrum Brands Inc., will close its doors in Sylacauga effective Jan. 31, 2009, leaving more than 70 full-time employees. In a press release reporting Spectrum Brands’ fourth quarter financial results, the company announced that, because of the economic downturn, it was planning to eliminate “unprofitable products” from its portfolio and that the company’s Board of Directors had approved “the shutdown of the growing products portion of its Home and Garden Business segment, which includes fertilizers, enriched soils, mulch and grass seed.”
The company issued the release Nov. 11.
“It’s always unfortunate when a company closes, especially with how long it’s been here,” said Calvin Miller, director of the Talladega County Economic Development Authority.
He said with the current economic climate, it could be more difficult for people to be absorbed into the workforce of other local companies.
The manufacturing operation of United Industries Corp. employs 77 full-time staff members. The company is also closing its administrative office in Birmingham, eliminating 30 additional jobs.
“It’s definitely a loss to the community and to those who’ve had careers there,” said Joe Richardson, executive director of the Sylacauga Chamber of Commerce.
He said the chamber will try and find a way to network with the workers and other local employers to help United Industries’ employees find jobs after it is shut down. Richardson said the chamber instituted a similar program for workers after Avondale Mills closed.
“While the economic conditions are different than they were in 2006, we’ll certainly do everything we can,” Richardson said.
Mayor Sam Wright said the industry’s closing is another blow to the economy.
“My heart goes out to all the employees,” he said.
The local manufacturer referred The Daily Home to corporate representatives during an attempt to obtain a comment on the plant’s closing from plant officials. Calls made to the corporate office were not returned at press time.
