USWA local fights to keep Ansell plant open

MASSILLON, Ohio (Nov. 20)—Between press conferences and a rally, the United Steelworkers of America Local 601L has sent a loud and clear message to Ansell Healthcare Products Inc. that it will fight the closing of the firm's Massillon Perry plant until the last piece of equipment is removed. But time is not on the union's side. The more-than 50-year-old plant was scheduled to close in September, but workers received an unexplained reprieve when the facility remained open. The latest word is that the glove-dipping end of the business will shut down Dec. 7. Much of the remainder of the factory will remain open into the new year, according to Phil Coorke, Ansell vice president of human resources. He did not give a final closing date. The Nov. 19 union rally in front of the plant in Massillon came complete with a casket; a red, white and blue bus; speakers from the union and various levels of the government; and swirling winds and driving rain. It was held to let "people across the country see what's going on with Ansell," according to David Kennard, USWA Local 601L president.