Sumitomo Bakelite to Close Kenton, Ohio Manufacturing Facility

KENTON, Ohio — Sumitomo Bakelite North America Holding, Inc. announced today that it will close its Durez Corporation manufacturing facility in Kenton, Ohio. The closure will take place over an approximately two-year transition period. The current plans have the facility continuing operations on a limited basis through September, 2028.

The Kenton facility has operated since 1950 and has been part of Sumitomo Bakelite since 2000. Despite ongoing efforts, including changes in operational focus and cost reduction measures, and the tireless efforts of the people who work there, the site struggled to remain consistently profitable.

“Kenton is a community we’re proud to be part of, and the people who’ve worked at this plant have given it everything they had for years,” said Barbara Olson, VP of HR for Sumitomo Bakelite North America. “This is obviously a tough outcome, and we don’t take that lightly. Going forward, we’re committed to supporting our employees and this community through every step of the transition.”

The Kenton facility currently employs approximately 45 people. Employees who remain through their release date will receive a separation package, and some employees are being offered other roles within the company. The company does not anticipate significant workforce reductions in the near term.

Sumitomo Bakelite has been in direct communication with the INTERNATIONAL UNITED AUTOMOBILE, AEROSPACE & AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENT WORKERS OF AMERICA, and its LOCAL NO. 1437, the Union representing Kenton employees, and will continue working with them throughout the transition.

About Sumitomo Bakelite:

Sumitomo Bakelite North America, Inc. and Durez Corporation are both part of the High Performance Plastics Business Unit of Sumitomo Bakelite Co., Ltd. who has its headquarters in Tokyo, Japan.

(Release submitted by Drew Beadling, Manager, PR, HART, 811 Madison Ave. Toledo, OH 43604)