Ameripol Synpol lays off 38 employees

PORT NECHES, Texas (Aug. 31)—Ameripol Synpol Corp. laid off 38 employees Aug. 15 because of high feedstock costs, high import levels and low prices of natural rubber. Ameripol Synpol, a synthetic rubber manufacturer headquartered in Port Neches, has 550 employees. The 38 laid off workers were employed in corporate positions in Port Neches and in Borger, Texas. Bill Spence, chief operating officer, stated in a company release that over capacity of ESBR and tires, low prices of natural rubber and high energy costs have had a "significant negative impact on earnings," he said. Impacted employees who were not offered further employment with the company were given a severance package including medical benefits and outplacement services to find new employment.