Read more: Local, Blumenthal Mills, Marion County Economic Development, Workers, Closure, Jobs
Hundreds of workers at Blumenthal Mills in Marion County are waiting to learn if they still have jobs.
This time last year, Blumenthal Mills filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Marion County economic development officials say company officials are expected to decided Monday or Tuesday morning, if the plant would shut down.
This afternoon, NewsChannel 15 got several calls and emails into the newsroom from workers saying they were called in today to pick up their paychecks. They became concerned because today is not their normal payday.
The workers tell us when they got their checks, plant officials told them there is a possibility that the plant would be closing down but said a definite decision hasn't been made.
Grady Gilchrist, Jr., a worker at the plant, says the waiting is frustrating. "It's kind of tough especially during these times of the year, the holidays is coming up especially when you have children and I have a 13 year old. You know, it's kind of hard just sitting around waiting," said Gilchrist.
An official in Blumenthal's Human Resources Department says they will issue a statement as soon as a decision is made.
Marion County Economic Development officials say there is an offer on the table to buy Blumenthal, and that could keep the plant going. They say because they haven't heard any news just yet, it's a good sign.
In 2007, about 250 people worked at Blumenthal Mills. The current employment numbers are not available.
