Ebonite, one of Hopkinsville’s longest standing industries, abruptly closed Friday after the corporation was acquired by Brunswick Bowling Products.
Christian County Judge-Executive Steve Tribble says his office received an email Friday in accordance with the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act saying all 110 hourly and 61 salaried employees would be losing their jobs with the closure of the plant on West Seventh Street and the Ebonite facilities on Dawson Springs Road.
The letter indicated those workers will receive severance pay and benefits through January 13, 2020.
Brunswick issued a statement saying it had acquired Ebonite’s assets and brands and that it will continue to market products under the Ebonite name. Flo Bowling is reporting production of the Ebonite products is being moved to the Brunswick plant in Mexico.
Southwest Kentucky Economic Development Executive Director Mark Lindsey says the employees were not given any advance notification of the closure.
Lindsey says in an email, “The Southwest Kentucky Economic Development Council is saddened to learn about the closing of Ebonite International. The EDC along with other supporting agencies stand ready to assist the employees of Ebonite find new career opportunities.”
He continues, “For decades, these hard working employees have demonstrated a world class skill set and work ethic. We will market their world-class skill set to the companies in our region as well as the new industry prospects that we meet with.”
The West Kentucky Workforce Board issued a statement on its Facebook page Friday afternoon saying their response plans are in the works to assist the displaced employees. Details on that response are expected to come Monday.
The City of Hopkinsville issued a statement pledging to work with the Workforce Board to assist those who have lost their jobs, with Mayor Carter Hendricks saying: “We are surprised to hear of the closing of Ebonite and the decision to terminate operations in Hopkinsville. We have been proud to be the home of Ebonite and their outstanding workforce. We pray for the employees and families impacted by this decision. Several local agencies have already initiated action to assist the Ebonite employees affected by this sudden announcement.”
Ebonite, which manufactures bowling balls, had operated in Hopkinsville for over 52 years.
https://www.facebook.com/westkyworkforce/posts/2499099540125498
Brunswick Bowling Products has made the following announcement of its acquisition of Ebonite International: pic.twitter.com/L8Mmey7y4M
— Bowlers Journal (@BowlersJournal) November 16, 2019