Employees & friends use social media to voice sadness over AG closure
NC GAZETTE / WBRT RADIO
STAFF REPORT
Tuesday, March 6, 2018 — The announcement Tuesday that the Bardstown American Greetings plant will closed by February 2019 continues to make big waves on social media as employees express sadness and grief at the coming loss of their jobs.
Employees were told Tuesday of the plans to close what has historically been one of the county’s largest employers.
Employees, friends of employees and former employees shared their experiences and sadness as the news traveled across social media.
“I’ve been at American Greetings for almost 12 years now. Found out today that they will be closing the doors in February. 400 people will be losing their jobs. Very sad say!”
“American greetings will be closing their doors completely. February of 2019! Deeply sorry for those who have put it countless years in that place for it to end the way it is!! “
“Sad no matter how you look at it. They always say when one door closes another one opens in this case it always sad to loose a job. I worked at American Greetings 25 years but have not for the last year and a half. I heard American Greetings closing there doors February 2019 guess now it’s Reality. Good luck to all at American Greetings employees and may the future be brighter than today .God Bless.”
“My thoughts to my good friends at American Greetings. Stay strong, I’ve never meet anyone who lost a job that didn’t end up happier in the long run. It’ll take time but you’ll be fine that’s my belief. Sad day for many of you and for Bardstown. My you find better opportunities.”
” Worked there for 10 years, 1996 to 2006. Enjoyed all my coworkers. So very sad this is happening.”
Nelson County Judge Executive Dean Watts said Tuesday morning that discussions were already under way on ways to assist the AG workers facing the loss of their jobs. He lamented the loss of the company, but remained positive that local companies will be able to provide employment opportunities for the displaced workers, particularly employees with specialized skills.
In January, the company announced two rounds of employee layoffs attributed to the loss of a contract to supply greeting cards to the Dollar Tree chain.
In February, the private equity firm Clayton, Dubelier & Rice announced it would purchase a 60 percent majority share of the company. The once publicly traded company was taken private in 2013 by the family of the company founder in a deal valued at $878 billion. Following the CD&R acquisition, the family will retain a 40 percent share of the company.
The local American Greetings plant opened its doors in 1983.
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