Honeywell announces 75 layoffs, production suspension in Amherstburg

Honeywell announced it will be suspending operations in Amherstburg, Ont., on Monday, Oct. 21, 2013. (Chris Campbell / CTV Windsor)

Honeywell Ltd. announced Monday 75 employees will be laid off because the company is suspending production operations in Amherstburg.

The company says it will be suspending hydrofluoric acid (HF) production for at least the next two years.

This development will have no impact on the remediation project on the adjacent former General Chemical property, said Peter Dalpe, external communications for Honeywell Performance Materials and Technology, in a news release.

“The company is taking this step because of lower demand for HF, which is used in the production of fuels, refrigerants and other materials,” says Dalpe.

As a result of the production suspension, most employees at the site will be laid off beginning later this year and continuing through August 2014. The layoffs will be conducted in phases, allowing the company to safely transition operations at the site.

Amherstburg mayor Wayne Hurst says he was shocked to hear about the layoffs.

"It's not pleasant news whatsoever when the plant within your municipality is being shut down and it's not pleasant news for those who are impacted," says Hurst.

A few security and maintenance personnel will remain on site.

Dalpe says the plant is currently undergoing regularly scheduled maintenance. Once completed, it resume operations until it has depleted its current supply of raw materials.