Bucyrus leaders working to keep GE plant viable
By Andrew Carter - acarter@aimmediamidwest.com
BUCYRUS City of Bucyrus officials have asked retail giant Walmart to help keep the GE Lighting-Savant manufacturing plant operating in Crawford County.
On March 6, GE-Savant shut down its A-19 LED light bulb production line at the Bucyrus plant. GE-Savant announced on Jan. 6 that it was planning to close the line.
Eighty-one employees, all members of IUE-CWA Local Local 84704, were affected by the decision. According to a GE spokesperson, a total of 46 employees were laid off and the rest found new jobs before the line was shut down.
BUCYRUS - Walmart officials have said they re willing to work with GE-Savant to ensure local production of A19 light bulbs, but the manufacturer is defending its decision to shut down the line.
In a news release Monday, Mayor Jeff Reser reported on the outcome of a virtual meeting between local representatives and Walmart officials, part of an ongoing effort to save 81 jobs at the GE-Savant Lighting Plant in Bucyrus.
GE-Savant ceased production of A19 LED bulbs in Bucyrus last week, eliminating 81 jobs. The bulbs are sold in Walmart stores across the country.
On Tuesday, Ben Sabol, director of communications for GE Lighting, shared a statement explaining the company s decision.