The Dutch beverage giant cited high operating costs and customer needs in its decision to close.
Sixty-three workers at a beverage manufacturing facility in Carlisle, Ohio, are facing the loss of their jobs after Dutch beverage giant Refresco announced it will permanently close its plant on Industry Drive this summer, according to a WARN notice filed with the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services on April 14.
The facility, located at 300 Industry Drive in northern Warren County, will cease manufacturing operations on or about June 24. All warehousing activity will wrap up around July 11, at which point the plant will close permanently and equipment will begin decommissioning. Employees were formally notified of the closure on April 14 and 15.
Why Refresco is closing the Carlisle plant
The company cited a combination of high operating costs and the evolving needs of its customer base as the primary reasons behind the decision, which it described as the result of an extensive review of its broader manufacturing operations and network. A company spokesperson confirmed that the Carlisle facility is the only Refresco location currently slated for closure.
The plant has served as a production and distribution hub specializing in bottling soft drinks, water, fruit juices, and teas. Core operations at the site have included bottling and manufacturing, quality control, warehousing and logistics of both finished goods and raw materials, and regional distribution.
What happens to the workers
Of the 63 employees affected, 7 have been offered positions at other Refresco locations. The remaining workers do not have union representation. Refresco has committed to providing severance packages to all employees and will facilitate on-site job fairs and resume writing assistance as part of its effort to support those facing displacement.
About Refresco
Refresco is headquartered in Rotterdam, Netherlands, and operates 70 production sites across 12 countries, including the United States, Canada, Spain, and Finland. The company employs approximately 13,000 people worldwide. The Carlisle closure represents a targeted reduction in its North American footprint rather than a broader company-wide contraction, based on the spokesperson’s confirmation that no other plants are currently scheduled to shut down.