Parent company spares Patrick Cudahy Inc. from job cuts
Smithfield Foods Inc., the parent company of Patrick Cudahy Inc., will close six plants and cut 1,800 jobs, but the Cudahy plant will not be among those to be shuttered.
The Smithfield, Va.-based company said its restructuring plan will include making Patrick Cudahy part of its John Morrell Group, but no jobs will be eliminated at the Wisconsin plant.
"Layoffs and plant closings are difficult but necessary decisions," said C. Larry Pope, president and chief executive officer of Smithfield Foods. "We know that this will create adversity for the employees affected and we will work with union officials and others to determine how we can provide assistance to our employees to find future employment. Also, we will be transferring many employees to other plants."
With sales of $12 billion, Smithfield Foods is the leading processor and marketer of fresh pork and packaged meats in the United States, as well as the largest producer of hogs.
Orion to hire Manitowoc mayor
Orion Energy Systems Inc. will hire Kevin Crawford upon completion of his sixth term as mayor of the city of Manitowoc.
Crawford will serve as a vice president of business development, responsible for working with local, state and national governments, regulatory agencies, utilities, industry associations, communities and other organizations to further the role of energy efficiency as a clean, low-cost and effective energy solution.
Crawford is completing his 20th year leading the city of Manitowoc.
"Kevin transformed the city of Manitowoc from ‘down and out’ to ‘up and coming’ during his six terms in office, demonstrating that he is not afraid to put his helmet on, get in the game and effect positive change," said Neal Verfuerth, chief executive officer of Orion Energy Systems.
Crawford’s first day of work at Orion will be April 22.
