Wilmington, NC, December 18, 2008 - BASF today announced that it will be closing its Wilmington, North Carolina, formulated vitamins manufacturing site by March 31, 2009. The facility, a part of BASF's Care Chemicals Division, manufactures formulated vitamin C products for the dietary supplement industry.
Employees were notified that the approximately 33 positions at the site will be eliminated over the next three months.
“We wanted employees to be aware of this decision as soon it was made. We regret the impact this decision may have on these employees and their families, especially at this time of year,” said Simon Medley, Group Vice President of BASF’s Care Chemicals and Formulators Regional Business Unit.
“The decision is in no way a reflection of the hard work, dedication and professionalism of the colleagues at this facility.”
This strategic business decision was made because it has become increasingly difficult to sustain profitable operations at the site due to high raw material costs.
In addition to producing vitamin C products, the site manufactures formulated B vitamin products and FreshSeal polymer-based fruit and vegetable coatings. After the site closure, BASF will no longer produce formulated B vitamin products. Production of FreshSeal will be transferred to another location.
BASF will work with affected employees to help them locate other employment opportunities within the company, or will provide employees with the appropriate severance compensation and out-placement services.
The company started production at the site - located at 101 Vitamins Drive - in 1985.