Ecolab will reduce its Columbus workforce by roughly 43 percent over the next several months as the company shifts some of its operations to a new facility in Jacksonville, Florida.
Company spokesman Roman Blahoski said Columbus employees were informed of the decision last week. The move will affect 66 Columbus employees as the company transfers its manufacturing and logistics, along with some related positions, to the new Florida facility.
The transfer is expected to be completed by fall.
Blahoski said there are no current plans to transfer jobs in research and development, customer service, information technology, finance and regulatory. Once the transfer is completed, 86 employees will remain at the Columbus facility.
Blahoski said there are no current plans to shut down Columbus operations.
“We don’t have anything else planned,” Blahoski said. “Ecolab is currently evaluating options for its other manufacturing operations in Columbus.”
The company will provide relocation assistance those employees whose jobs are transferred to Florida, Blahoski said. Those who elect not to make the move will be provided assistance from Ecolab, including severance pay, career counseling and other services.
Ecolab, located at 512 Lehmberg Road, is one of 44 businesses that lies in an area annexed by the city in September, but Blahoski said annexation, which will mean a higher tax burden for the company, played no role in the company’s decision.
Slim Smith is a columnist and feature writer for The Dispatch. His email address is [email protected].
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