x
Breaking News
More () »

Jeffboat to close in April

The company is expected to close their doors for good April 2.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WHAS11) – After a series of layoffs and rumors for more than a year, Jeffboat will officially close in April.

The union representing the shipyard made the announcement Saturday morning.

According to its website, Jeffboat is the nation’s largest and longest operated inland shipyard.

Last November, 200 employees were laid off and now more than 100 workers will also be out of a job.

Jeffersonville Mayor Mike Moore said the demand for barges isn't what it used to be.

The company is expected to close their doors as early as April 2.

Employee Craig Benim tells WHAS11, “You make a lot of friends and now your friends are going in different directions.”

Benim worked for 15 years as a welder. He was laid-off once before and says he will have to start over, again.

“It’s very hard because I’ve lost it and finally regained everything again and now the company I work for is going under,” he said.

Jeffboat Media Release - 032618 (1) on Scribd

The following statement was released by One Southern Indiana (1si) President and CEO Wendy Dant Chesser in response to the Jeffboat closure announcement:

“We are saddened to learn that Jeffboat will be closing in the next three to six weeks, due to the significant drop in demand for barge construction over the last three years.”

“The announcement to close Jeffboat will affect up to 170 employees and their families. One Southern Indiana (1si) stands ready to assist in any transition plan to help the effected employees identify other sustainable work opportunities in our region.”

“This could likely involve displacement services for the employees or retraining opportunities through partner organizations like Work One and Ivy Tech. 1si will also reach out to local vendors and suppliers that may suffer negative effects of this decision. Since the two Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notifications (WARN) notices, submitted in November 2017, and February 2018, 1si has had several companies from throughout the metro area inquire about hiring any displaced employees.”

“As the state recognized local economic development organization (LEDO) for Clark and Floyd counties, 1si engages in economic development on behalf of the community because it builds healthy economies throughout the region that support a stronger community at large. The attraction of new companies to Southern Indiana not only helps lessen the impact of a specific business or industry closing its doors but also ensures there will always be a high demand for skilled laborers, now and in the future.”

“We implore the officials of Jeffboat to consider the community, its needs and the future of regional business and talent attraction and retention, when creating a transition plan for the 80-acre property with one mile of river front currently occupied by the shipyard."

Before You Leave, Check This Out