There is news today that the Quaker Oats factory in Danville is closing permanently on June 8. The multi-storied facility located on Voorhees Street is one of the largest employers in Danville with some 500 employees. There had been reports of layoffs at Quaker circulating in social media, but the complete closing is a surprise. The factory has been one of Danville’s biggest and strongest employers for many years. It has handled a variety of agricultural products over the years and at one point was well known for production of granola bars.
Danville Mayor Rickey Williams said he spoke with Quaker officials today and was told that all current employees will continue to get paid for two more months. The Mayor said he was told Quaker decided on the closing after examining what it would take to get the Danville facility to meet the current company demands. They said the building would have to be demolished and rebuilt, and that would be a closure of several years. Williams said Quaker has assured him that it will either find another company that can use the building, or it will demolish it entirely so the city would not have to do it.
Other details of the closing are not yet available. The Quaker Company is owned by Pepsi.
Vermilion County Works and the American Job Center are informing the effected Quaker employees that they can offer help. They have a Resource Room with local job listings and computers to update your resume, apply for jobs, and submit Unemployment applications. We are also offering one-on-one assistance to those affected by this closure with resume updates and improving interview skills. To make an appointment, please call 217-442-0296, ext. 110.
