BARNSDALL, Okla. — A lifeline for the local economy of Barnsdall is closing after a tornado hit the town on May 6.
NuCera Solutions is a refinery plant in town that currently employs around 93 people. For context, Barnsdall has a population of roughly 1,015.
An employee who asked to remain anonymous shared a letter the company sent out on July 30.
The letter, written by Vice President of Operations Jack Thiel, said the company intended to rebuild the plant, but in recent weeks, "it became clear that rebuilding the facility is not financially viable." The company blamed "lengthy repairs and an unknown future customer base."
WATCH 2 News drone footage over the plant after the tornado:
2 News talked to Barnsdall Mayor Johnny Kelley on June 6 about the rebuilding process at that time the plant was being rebuilt.
"Yes, they are rebuilding the plant as well as the nursing home. They’re rebuilding too. So, I spoke with the manager yesterday actually," he said then.
WATCH: One month after Barnsdall tornado:
Mayor Kelley said the company's change of course blindsided him.
“You tell me and we’ll both know (why)," Kelley said. "Up until 9 o’clock this morning they were rebuilding.”
Kelley said he'll meet with company leaders and then meet with town leaders to come up with a plan to help employees who will soon find themselves with a pink slip.
“Like I said, it’s terrible, it’s bad, I hate it. It’s a devastating blow, but it’s not the only job in the world,” he said.
NuCera Solutions said the closing will happen in phases over the next six months to a year. It'll immediately reduce staff to 50 employees until the phaseout is complete.
However, all employees will continue to receive their regular rate of pay for 60 days.
Non-union employees who stay with the company until their termination date may receive an additional eight weeks of severance and three months of COBRA health insurance coverage.
Company management is meeting with union leadership to discuss matters related to those employees.
The company also said all employees will have access to free "outplacement services" like job search tools and coaches, as well as public benefits and financial coaching.
Thiel said the May 6 storm was a tragedy for the community.
"It was only out of necessity and with a heavy heart that we made the decision to close the plant. I want to thank you for your hard work and dedication at the NuCera plant and your patience as we sorted through the impact of the storm," Thiel said.
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