Kraton Corporation to exit Dover
DOVER – The Kraton Corporation is closing its manufacturing site in Dover.
The company, which makes specialty polymers and other products derived from pine chemicals, announced the pending closure Wednesday, describing it as part of a strategic realignment to streamline operations.
Dover Mayor Shane Gunnoe says the move will leave 91 employees without jobs. He says the city is working with Kraton to assist them, including looking at hosting a job fair.
“It’s a sad situation,” he said. “Our thoughts go out to the employees that are impacted along with their families. We’re looking to organize support for them.”
Gunnoe says company officials told them the closure is an economic decision.
“[We] asked if there was anything the city could do with incentives or working with the state on offers of assistance, and we were told that unfortunately this decision was strictly on a larger economic scale and there was nothing else that could be done to avert or delay the closure of the plant.”
He says the city hopes to find a new tenant for the Harger Street location, calling it a “highly valuable site.”
Gunnoe says the company plans to cease manufacturing operations in July. In its press release, the company said it is committed to a safe, respectful and supportive transition.