A PVC pipe manufacturing facility in Paducah is facing a “raw material shortage” that is causing operations to halt and employees to be indefinitely laid off while the shortage continues.
Genova Products Director of Operations Joe Pusateri in a press release said the material shortage has lasted longer than originally anticipated. This has forced the company to cash out paid time off for its employees.
WPSD-TV reports the company also notified employees Wednesday they were being indefinitely laid off. The company reportedly employed 120 people. Pusateri said the company hopes to end the material shortage as soon as possible.
"First, we are very hopeful this is a temporary layoff and the plant will open back up soon. We want those employees to be able to get back to their jobs as quickly as they can," said Sandra Wilson, president of the Paducah Chamber of Commerce, in an emailed statement. "We live in a very generous and caring community, and there are services available for those in need through many of our non-profit organizations."
Wilson said the West Kentucky Workforce Board has offered Genova Products the use of "Rapid Response" services. If the services are used, informational meetings will be held for impacted employees to aid in finding new employment. She said the board hasn't heard from the company regarding the offer.
This story has been updated with comments from Sandra Wilson.
