Packaging Corporation of America will permanently close its Baltimore Street manufacturing plant in Middletown, Ohio, resulting in the loss of 91 jobs. The company confirmed in a notice filed with the Ohio Department of Job & Family Services that the facility at 1824 Baltimore Street will cease operations by December 1, with the building expected to be fully vacated by the end of the year.
The company stated the closure is part of a plan to consolidate production into "larger and more efficient operations," specifically citing a new $275 million plant that opened near Columbus earlier this summer. While most employees will finish their duties on December 1, the company noted in its filing that a few staff members may be asked to remain for a period beyond that date. The notice, which was sent to the city’s mayor and Butler County commissioners, was signed by the company’s attorney, Mark Romaniuk, on October 1.
Union Negotiates Severance and Support for 91 Employees
The United Steel, Paper and Forestry, Rubber, Manufacturing, Energy, Allied Industrial and Service Workers International Union, Local 1676, represents the affected workers. Steve Ackerman, a representative for the union, stated that the organization is beginning negotiations to secure severance packages, extended insurance coverage, and job placement assistance for the 91 employees, as reported by WKRC. Try to get whatever I can get for our members to try to at least help with the damage,
Ackerman said. I mean, you can’t replace their job, obviously, but you try to get everything you can for them. It’s just a tough situation to be in.
Ackerman noted the timing is particularly difficult for families, adding, There’s people, I’m sure, that plan their vacations around Christmas.
Regarding the scale of the loss, he stated: We don’t want to see it, whether it’s nine people or 91 or 900.
Packaging Corporation of America has indicated it will collaborate with state and local officials to provide dislocated worker assistance. The company also stated in its notice that it will assist employees interested in transferring to other company locations that currently have open positions.
Regional Manufacturing Context
The closure in Middletown follows a trend of plant shutdowns across Ohio's manufacturing sector. According to the Cincinnati Enquirer, the announcement comes roughly two months after JD Vance addressed the loss of manufacturing jobs in Middletown during a rally. During his speech, Vance recalled how classmates at Middletown High School would report that their fathers had lost their jobs in the industry.
Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that Ohio has seen a steady decline in total jobs over the past two years, with approximately 23,500 fewer positions than in October 2024. Despite these losses, the state’s unemployment rate remains at 3.3%, a historic all-time low following a peak of 16.5% during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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What Happens to Employees After Middletown Plant Closes?
What happens to the employees after December 1?
Most employees will be laid off on December 1, though the company noted that a few staff members may stay on for a short time to assist with the final transition. The union is currently working to secure severance and help employees transition to new roles or locations within the company.
Why is the Middletown plant closing?
Packaging Corporation of America stated the decision was made to consolidate its manufacturing footprint into larger, more efficient facilities. The company specifically referenced its new $275 million plant near Columbus as a primary driver for this efficiency-focused consolidation.
Are there other Packaging Corporation of America locations in Ohio?
Yes. According to the company’s website, Packaging Corporation of America maintains nine other facilities across the state of Ohio.
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