Greenwood County’s Ascend Performance Materials Plant Closure Announcement: A Significant Shift Amid Economic Pressures
Residents of Greenwood County are waking up to some unwelcome news: the local Ascend Performance Materials plant, located at the intersection of Highway 246 and Emerald Road, is set to close by February 2025. This decision will impact approximately 200 employees, marking a considerable shift in the county’s employment landscape. The plant, a staple in the area, has been a significant player in the manufacture of nylon polymer and fiber used in various industries, from automotive to construction.
The news broke yesterday when Ascend Performance Materials made the official announcement from their headquarters in Houston. The company attributed the plant closure to ongoing global economic pressures, particularly in the automotive and construction sectors. Phil McDivitt, president and CEO of Ascend, highlighted the hard work and dedication of the Greenwood employees, underscoring the difficulty of the decision. “Ultimately, prolonged global economic pressure, especially in the automotive and construction sectors, led to the difficult decision to close the plant,” McDivitt explained.
Transitioning Operations and Support for Employees
This closure is part of a strategic shift for Ascend, which will exit fiber production and relocate its polymer operations to its Cantonment plant in Pensacola, Florida. Despite recent layoffs at the Cantonment facility, the operations there will continue, as reported in other news outlets. However, the extent of these layoffs remains undisclosed.
Recognizing the profound impact on its workforce, Ascend is actively providing resources to assist the affected employees. The company is implementing programs for new-skill training, financial planning, and job search assistance. As part of their support efforts, Ascend is coordinating with other businesses in the area to organize on-site job fairs.
Michael Walters, a senior site director for Ascend, expressed gratitude for the workforce’s dedication over the years. “Despite the circumstances, they have a lot to be proud of, and we are focusing our efforts on smoothing this transition for them,” he mentioned.
A Broader Perspective: Economic Challenges and Company Strategy
Ascend’s decision is part of a broader strategy in response to economic challenges that have persisted for nearly two years. In January of this year, the company had already announced plans to close other operations in the Netherlands and scale back certain activities in Greenwood. These moves were designed to ensure long-term customer service excellence.
The company, headquartered in Houston, operates globally, with regional offices in Shanghai, Brussels, and Detroit. It has manufacturing facilities across North America, Europe, and Asia, producing materials for both everyday essentials and new technologies.
While the closure of the Greenwood County plant is a significant loss for the community, it reflects the broader economic challenges faced by many industries worldwide. The employees, community, and company now face the task of navigating these changes, finding new opportunities, and adapting to shifting economic landscapes.
For those affected in Greenwood County, the coming months will be crucial for transitioning to new opportunities. The community, known for its resilience, will likely pull together to support these workers as they find their footing in new roles.
