Sumitomo Bakelite announced on Wednesday its intention to close its Kenton facility, setting a target date of September 2028 for the cessation of operations. The plant, situated at 13717 state Route 68 in Kenton, specializes in the production of Bakelite, a widely used synthetic resin. This closure is projected to affect approximately 45 employees who are currently on staff at the site. The company's announcement specified that these employees are expected to continue in their roles until the facility ultimately closes.
The decision to close the Kenton plant was communicated by Sumitomo Bakelite in a press release. Within this release, the company stated that the site has not maintained a consistent level of profitability. This financial performance issue was identified as a primary factor contributing to the forthcoming shutdown. The press release outlined the company's position on the economic viability of the Kenton operations.
Providing further details on the closure timeline, Barbara Olsen, vice president of human relations and information technology at Sumitomo, indicated that the company does not foresee an earlier closure than September 2028. However, Olsen also clarified that the precise date of the final shutdown beyond this projected month and year would be influenced by the demands and requirements of the company's customer base. The long lead time for the closure allows for an extended period of continued employment for the facility’s workforce.
The Kenton facility has a notable history within the community. Its origins trace back to the 1950s, when it first began operations. Sumitomo Bakelite became the owner of the plant in the year 2000, having acquired it from OxyChem. This acquisition integrated the long-standing Kenton factory into Sumitomo's global operations. The impending closure in 2028 will mark the end of more than seven decades of industrial activity at this specific location, encompassing its time under OxyChem and its subsequent tenure with Sumitomo Bakelite. The company's commitment to keep the 45 employees working until the final closure aims to provide stability during this transition period, as outlined in their public statements. The focus remains on fulfilling customer obligations until the eventual winding down of the manufacturing processes at the Kenton site. This strategic decision by Sumitomo Bakelite underscores a shift in their operational footprint, with the Kenton facility ceasing its role in synthetic resin production after years of operation.