Hundreds lose jobs as hygiene company shuts down NY operations

A group of 300 people learned Thursday their jobs have been eliminated in Saratoga and Washington counties.

Essity – a maker of hygiene products – announced that they’re shutting down all their operations in New York state.

Their tissue manufacturing plant in South Glens Falls was immediately closed. Workers were told the news when they showed up on Thursday morning.

Meantime, operations in Saratoga Springs and Greenwich will continue for some time.

Keeping those open for a time is necessary to provide a smooth transition for customers, the company said.

Meantime, the town of Moreau has reached out to the New York State Department of Labor and Gov. Kathy Hochul’s office to try and help the workers, Town Supervisor Todd Kusnierz said.

Liza Ochsendorf, Warren County Director of Workforce Development, also released this statement:

“Many of the workers affected by Thursday’s Essity plant closure are Warren County residents, and Warren County Career Center staff stand ready to assist them as they transition to new careers. Information about free training and job search assistance is available by calling 518-743-0925, emailing ochsendorfl@warrencountyny.gov or stopping by the Career Center at 333 Glen Street, Suite 300, Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. No appointment is necessary. In addition, New York State Department of Labor’s Rapid Response Team is in constant contact with the Saratoga-Warren-Washington counties workforce system that includes the Warren County Department of Workforce Development and all Warren County Career Center staff.”