Memphis, Tennessee-based PMC Biogenix, a manufacturer of renewable specialty chemical compounds derived from renewable plant oils (palm, coconut, soybean) and animal fats, has announced the permanent closure of its 80,000-square-foot integrated oleochemicals manufacturing and research facility.
The closure will impact 172 employees, including 122 union members, and is scheduled for April 26, 202.
PMC Biogenix's parent, Mount Laurel, New Jersey-based PMC Group, noted in 2024, "As part of PMC’s ongoing commitment to ensuring long-term sustainability and success of the Biogenix business worldwide, a comprehensive strategic product review of the Memphis facility was conducted, resulting in a focus on higher value Fatty Amides and Bisamides (Armoslip and Kemamide), Glycerol Esters (Kemester), Metallic Stearates (Lubrazinc), and Specialty Esters (Kemester), and the decision to exit the merchant market for certain commodity bulk fatty acids. This restructuring will enhance operational efficiencies, focus on core strengths, align resources with market demand and bolster PMC’s oleochemical derivatives business. We are excited to announce plans to build a new facility in Gyeongju, South Korea. This investment will allow us to significantly increase production capacity to meet growing customer demand for our Armoslip products.”
Change is constant, and it's coming. There will always be a tomorrow, no matter how much you may try to ignore it. There are no guarantees in life, nor promises of a bright future. We see good people being laid off through no fault of their own. Just because something terrible hasn't happened yet doesn't mean it won't. It can happen to anyone, at any time, anywhere. No one is guaranteed to wake up tomorrow and still have a job by evening. While many employees can read the writing on the wall, why do most assume it’s targeted at someone else? Are you now wondering, Am I Next?
