Pennsylvania Workers' Compensation Lawyers Blog
After nearly 10 years of production, Cargill Cocoa and Chocolate will permanently close its Hazleton facility this summer. Production that took place at the plant will be moved to other facilities across North America to support “evolving customer needs”. Cargill mentioned that this closure does not affect their protein production plants in the area. Cargill first acquired the Hazleton facility in 2015 as part of its $440 million acquisition of Archer Daniels Midland Co.’s global chocolate business.
Over 100 employees will be affected by this closure. Cargill aims to help employees through this transition with severance packages and job placement assistance. In a statement, a representative stressed the importance of the keystone state to the company: “Cargill remains committed to Pennsylvania, employing more than 2,900 workers across the Commonwealth in our agricultural and food businesses.” Other Pennsylvania facilities include a plant in Mt. Joy, PA, near Harrisburg. No plans have been publicized for the future of the plant site after Cargill leaves the space.
Sudden closings like this can be a stressful time for anyone to lose employment, but especially for those employees with workers’ compensation cases. If you or someone you know was employed with Cargill Cocoa and Chocolate and had an open workers’ compensation claim, please contact our office. We are able to assist with open claims and help navigate this transitional period. Our experienced workers’ compensation attorneys are able to meet with clients in the Hazleton area and virtually.