Norwood to shutter San Antonio plant, lay off 345 workers San Antonio Business Journal
Norwood Promotional Products LLC has initiated a consolidation of the company’s manufacturing operations that will result in hundreds of lost jobs for San Antonio.
The consolidation, part of a cost-saving effort, affects 345 employees in San Antonio. Local employees will be given first consideration and relocation assistance if they qualify for open positions outside of San Antonio. Norwood will also provide severance and outplacement assistance to those who are unable to fill an open position in another market.
BIC Advertising & Promotional Products is the parent company of Norwood.
Clearwater, Fla.-based BIC was formed in July 2009 through the merger of Norwood Promotional Products and BIC Graphic USA.
After conducting a strategic analysis of the Norwood and BIC Graphic operations over the last several months, the parent company has decided to consolidate its San Antonio factory with existing Norwood locations across the United States.
BIC Graphic manufactures BIC pens and related writing products. Norwood markets nearly 5,000 promotional items, such as employee awards, recognition and gift bags; calendars and planners; office magnets and badge holders; and glasses and mugs.
In addition to the factory consolidation, Norwood will also relocate the support functions of its Indianapolis office to Clearwater, Fla. BIC Graphics maintains its U.S. headquarters in Clearwater. Norwood had been based in Indianapolis.
The move of both the San Antonio operations and the Indianapolis office should be completed by the end of 2010.
“In the long term, this is the right decision for the organization,” says Norwood President Paul Lage. “We are very grateful for the many years of service and dedication our San Antonio associates have given Norwood and hope that many of our Indianapolis associates will join the organization in Clearwater.”
