In March, BrightFarms will cease operations at its hydroponic facility in Snyder County, Pennsylvania, resulting in job losses for 76 employees. "We have made the difficult decision to suspend operations at our Selinsgrove farm. As BrightFarms grows with new, larger farms, we are grateful for our Pennsylvania team and will support them through this transition. We remain committed to servicing our Pennsylvania customers", stated Brightfarms to local news source LancasterFarming.com
The 280,000-square-foot greenhouse, located in Pawling Station off Route 522, was established in 2020.
The company, headquartered in Irvington, N.Y., was not required to provide a 60-day notice under the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, as the plant employs fewer than 100 people. The facility, part of a Keystone Opportunity Expansion Zone, was exempt from taxes until 2029. BrightFarms invested over $20 million in the site, which was the largest in its network at the time of opening.
Snyder County Commissioner Joe Kantz noted that the plant faced challenges with wastewater disposal, incurring significant costs for off-site treatment. Additionally, potential renovation needs were mentioned, though no formal discussions with local officials have occurred. Employees were directed to contact BrightFarms' senior director of marketing, Jessica Soare, for media inquiries. However, an automated response indicated her unavailability.
Advance Central PA will provide support to affected employees, offering information on reemployment, healthcare, and prescription assistance. CareerLink is organizing a job fair in early March to assist those impacted by the closure.
Read more at: LancasterFarming.com