Joriki USA Inc. Shutters Luzerne County Facility, Lays Off 229 Employees
PITTSTON TOWNSHIP, PA – January 11, 2025 – Joriki USA Inc., a beverage production company, has closed its facility at 575 Research Drive in Pittston Township, resulting in the layoff of 229 employees. The closure was announced in a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) filed with the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry on December 31, 2024.
Timeline of Events
According to the WARN notice, the layoffs occurred on December 31 or within 14 days of that date. Joriki cited its inability to provide the required 60 days’ notice due to ongoing efforts to sell the company and secure financial support from a major customer and primary lenders.
- On December 23, 2024, the potential buyer informed Joriki it would not proceed with the purchase.
- Following this, the company’s primary customer and lenders announced they would cease funding operations.
“These events were sudden, dramatic, and unexpected and have led to a significant financial crisis that the company believes cannot be realistically addressed without implementing the facility closure,” Joriki stated in the WARN notice.
WARN Act and Its Exceptions
The WARN Act typically requires employers to provide 60 days’ notice before a mass layoff or facility closure. However, exceptions exist when unforeseeable circumstances arise, such as Joriki’s failed sale and withdrawal of financial support.
Impact on Employees and Community
The closure leaves 229 employees and their families facing uncertainty. Local and state officials are urging affected workers to seek resources for job retraining and unemployment assistance.
For support and further updates, employees are encouraged to contact the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry or visit their local CareerLink office.
Reference News:- Sudden, dramatic, and unexpected’ events lead to Pa. facility closing; hundreds laid off
