Layoffs at North Bay firm: industrial fabrics manufacturer reduces workforce by 20.

• Author: Turl, Jeff
• Position: NEWS

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There has been a major layoff at one of North Bay's biggest employers.

Fabrene, owned by Indiana-based Berry Plastics, has cut its workforce by a total of 20 hourly and salaried workers.

It happened in mid-August "through a combination of early retirements and permanent layoffs," Eva Schmitz, Berry Plastics' communications director, told BayToday.

"The North Bay facility is part of the company's Health, Hygiene, and Specialties Division and manufactures product for the industrial and construction markets," she said.

Fabrene currendy employs 200 people.

"The company staffs its workforce in accordance to industry demand," Schmitz said. "Due to recent fluctuations in demand, the company has found it necessary to take these actions."

Fabrene manufactures coated woven and non-woven polyolefin-based products. That includes everything from house wrap used in building construction to large billboards and banners to geomembranes used as caps at landfills or pond liners.

Its products are...