Company lays off 45 Lafayette workers

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - The news came as a shock to many Wednesday night: Evonik Degussa Corporation will lay off 45 people, or about 7 percent of its workforce.

Lafayette Mayor Tony Roswarski said while he has never been laid off from a job, as a former police officer, he can relate to those affected.
    
"Certainly, those years being a policeman, I worked two, three, four jobs for 24 years, finding different jobs I could do to try to support my family and make enough money," said Roswarski. "I certainly know how it feels and what it's like to live paycheck to paycheck. I've lived paycheck to paycheck almost my whole life."

According to Evonik officials, the layoffs are part of a global strategy announcement concerning several manufacturing sites of health care products. Officials said the move will help Evonik be more flexible and competitive.

Greater Lafayette Commerce President Joe Seaman said while the news comes as a disappointment, it's not much of a shock.

"Every company in this community and every company around the globe is constantly looking at who they are, and what they are, and what do they need to be tomorrow," said Seaman. "What does the new business opportunity bring? What are the risks out there? So, everybody's doing this self assessment."

Employees who are being laid off will be given a severance package. Company officials provided this statement:

"The transformation of our Lafayette facility is necessary in today's marketplace and it in no way reflects on the performance of the outstanding Tippecanoe Laboratories team. We recognize this decision affects our employees and the Lafayette community and as a long standing member of the community, are committed to minimizing any impact."

So what's next for those affected?

"Probably, WorkOne is their first call, through either WorkOne, or the Reach Center," said Seaman. "They're always prepared to talk to folks and they're open normal 5 days a week, but we're certainly willing to help anybody who needs help. That's our job."

As to when those layoffs will go into effect, the human resources director at Evonik would not say.

If you have been affected by the layoffs, you can contact WorkOne at (765) 474-5411, or the Reach Center at (765) 477-1906.