K105 has learned additional information on the closing of one of Leitchfield’s oldest and largest employers.
As K105 reported Tuesday evening, Bel Brands, USA announced the closing of its Leitchfield plant, formerly known as Bel Cheese. The company moved to Leitchfield in 1970 when Bel Brands, USA purchased Avalon Cheese.
Taryn Clark, with Bel Brands U.S. Corporate Communications, and Leitchfield plant manager Vlad Homola met with Leitchfield Mayor Harold Miller and Judge-Executive Kevin Henderson on Wednesday to explain the unexpected plant closure.
At that meeting, Clark said the organization did not feel it was financially feasible to invest in the necessary infrastructure at the plant to keep it operational for the next several decades.
Miller told K105 that during the meeting, Clark was asked if city or county government, or any other local entity, did anything to cause the closure. Clark responded by stating that the decision was made at the highest corporate level and has no connection with the relationship between city and county government and Bel Brands; a relationship that has also been strong.
It was also noted at the meeting that all Bel Brands Leitchfield employees, approximately 300 workers, have been offered severance packages as well as an offer of paid training for new positions with other companies.
Eighty employees who worked on the Baby Bel line were let go on Tuesday. The remaining employees are expected to be let go, and the 185,000 square-foot facility closed, by March 2025.
Bel Brands, USA issued the following statement to K105 regarding the closure:
In line with our global plan to modernize and streamline our business, Groupe Bel has made the very difficult choice to stop our operations at our Leitchfield plant. This was not an easy decision, and we recognize the impact it will have on our employees, their families, and the Leitchfield community.
The Bel team met with local community officials, including the Mayor’s office, today, December 11, to inform them of the closure and start working together during this transition. We will work closely with them and with our Leitchfield employees as we navigate through the next steps. The Leitchfield community, especially local officials, have been a large part of the success of our brands over the years in the US, and we thank them for their partnership.
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
