Local leaders are putting together a joint effort to help the economy and the effected employees after Quaker announced that it is closing the Danville facility. The multi-storied facility located on Voorhees Street will be closed June 8. It 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 strongest employers for many years. It has handled a variety of agricultural products over the years including pancake mix, ready to eat cereal, and granola bars.
Quaker started in Danville in 1969. It is owned by Pepsico. The company says all employees will be paid through June 8 and will be separated within 14 days of that date. Meetings will be held to discuss mobility preferences and moves within Pepsico. Signups for the employee assistance program will be held April 8 and 9 at the Palmer Arena. They will be available on the internet after that.
Quaker says after a recall in December, Quaker paused production at the facility. After a detailed review, Quaker determined its future manufacturing needs would require an extended closure for enhancements and modernization. Quaker determined production would need to permanently shift to other facilities. Danville Mayor Rickey Williams said he spoke to Quaker officials and was told such a renovation would require tearing down the building and building a new one. 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 and pay for it.
The City of Danville, Vermilion Advantage, Danville Area Community College and Vermilion County Works issued a joint statement on the closing. It said after 65 years of production in Danville, the business has already ceased production, but will continue to pay employees until it is fully closed. The statement says “While this shocks and saddens us, we will unite as a community to help those who have lost their employment. We are currently updating a list of local job opportunities and discussing training opportunities that will help them transition into other roles in the community. Most other businesses in town need additional skilled workers, and Quaker employees are known for their hard work and commitment to excellence. Our hope is to connect great workers to great employment opportunities. Together, we will weather this storm.”
State Sen. Chapin Rose said the terrible news doesn’t just impact Danville, but all central Illinois. He will work with other local leaders to get as many of these people re-employed as quickly as possible.
