International Paper cuts add to Hardin County's misery

KENTON - Hardin County's largest manufacturer, International Paper Foodservice Business in Kenton, has laid off 40 employees, cutting its work force down to 400.

"We laid off 40 employees over the last two weeks," Plant Manager Ted Riggs said. "We make paper cups here. People aren't going to work. They're not stopping at a convenience store or a gas station and buying coffee. We also make vending cups."

International Paper is Hardin County's largest manufacturer, and second largest employer overall. Only Ohio Northern University with about 760 employees is larger, according to John Hohn of the Hardin County Chamber and Business Alliance.

Riggs said the company added equipment and some new business last year.

"Historically we've sold hot cups and cold cups, so, as one season changes we switch out of hot cups and make cold cups," he said. "With the economy being down, it affects it right across the line.

"Our [county] unemployment figures for the month of December were about 7.9 [percent], but I look for that to go up," Hohn said.

Louisville, Ky.-based Sypris  Solutions announced in October it was shutting down its Kenton tractor-trailer axle plant by May, cutting about 200 jobs. At one time, it employed more than 1,200 people from across the region.

Hohn is pinning some hope on the wind.

Wind farm developers have shown interest in the county. Hohn said he hopes to see some projects take shape during the next six months to a year.

"We've had five separate wind development companies making option offers to landowners," he said.

Riggs knows times are tough and is glad the layoff wasn't larger.

"We're counting our blessings that we've still got 400 people."