To the Editor:
The announcement by Fortune Plastics of their intended closure in April has left the Old Saybrook and Shoreline Community concerned and disappointed. Our concern is first and foremost for the over 90 employees of the company who will be losing their employment. It is also disheartening to see what was once a locally-owned family business leave the State.
Upon hearing the news, our offices began marshaling state and regional resources to work with the company in finding new employment for the workers. Within a week, the Connecticut Department of Labor Rapid Response Unit organized a Job Fair at Fortune Plastics on March 4. We also contacted local and regional manufacturers, many with positions to fill. We will continue to partner with Fortune Plastics to make available any and all human resources in the coming months.
Fortune Plastic’s 75,000 sf manufacturing facility will also be available for repurpose. The Town and the Economic Development Commission plan to market the availability of this and other industrial properties so they will be put to back into full and productive use.
While this is indeed difficult news for all affected employees and the Town, we will continue to be a town that seeks out new business opportunities to benefit workers and residents.
Carl P. Fortuna, Jr. and Susie Beckman
Old Saybrook.
Editor’s Note: The writers are respectively the First Selectman of Town of Old Saybrook and the
Economic Development Director of the Town of Old Saybrook.