Richmond, Virginia-based MeadWestvaco Corporation (MWV) announced it will discontinue its MWV Calmar pump and dispensing manufacturing and distribution operations located in Washington Court House, Ohio. This decision is part of the company's accelerated strategic cost management program—announced Jan. 15—to reduce its overhead cost structure, optimize its manufacturing footprint and realize sourcing savings throughout its supply chain.
The Washington Court House facility manufactures dispensers for the personal care and beauty industry. The company is consolidating production and equipment from Washington Court House to its San Luis Potosi, Mexico, plant, which is more seamlessly scalable and features more advanced production equipment and processes. The company's capacity to supply these products will not be affected. The transition is expected to be completed by the end of 2009. A small component manufacturing presence will be maintained at Washington Court House.
The closure of the Washington Court House plant will impact approximately 278 hourly and salaried employees. Affected salaried employees will be eligible for separation benefits in accordance with company policy. Separation benefits for hourly employees will be the subject of discussion with their union representative.
MWV provides packaging solutions to many popular brands in the healthcare, personal and beauty care, food, beverage, media and entertainment, and home and garden industries. With 22,000 employees worldwide, MWV operates in 30 countries and serves customers in more than 100 nations.
For more information, visit www.mwv.com.