By Kimberly Gasuras, Freelance Journalist | FreeWire—Your News, Your Voice
**Update:
After reaching out to Bucyrus City Auditor Kali Lewis, FreeWire received the following statement:
“Though the City of Bucyrus has just become aware of the situation today, the City’s Administration regrets the recent loss of Diamond Wipes, a valued local employer whose departure is estimated to cost the city approximately $50,000 in annual revenue. While this amount may seem small, every dollar plays an important role in supporting services for our citizens. For perspective (unless those previously working at Diamond Wipes all find other jobs within city limits), $50,000 is the majority of the funding required to place another police officer on the streets, enhancing the safety and security of our community.
“Any loss of income makes it more challenging for the city to operate efficiently and continue providing the quality services our residents expect and deserve. However, the City of Bucyrus remains steadfast in its commitment to economic growth. We are actively working with our existing businesses and are pursuing new opportunities to attract employers and create jobs within and around Bucyrus.
“Our hearts go out to those who have lost their personal income during this difficult season. Though it affects the community as a whole, it affects the individual workers most of all. The sharp unpredictability of the circumstances that these Bucyrus workers now find themselves in is devastating. You are in our thoughts” – Kali C. Lewis, Bucyrus City Auditor
Employees and city officials were caught completely off-guard with the
sudden closing of a local Bucyrus factory on Thursday.
Diamond Wipes International employed more about 40 people at its Bucyrus plant and
hundreds more at its plant in California. In 2022, Diamond Wipes announced the
opening of a new line to manufacture canisters for wipes at its Bucyrus plant, bringing
the total number of employees to 80 at that time.
“We had a tour of the plant this past spring and they were talking about expanding the
operations here. I am so shocked that they suddenly closed the plant,” said Bucyrus
Mayor Bruce Truka on Friday morning.
He said that his heart goes out to the workers and their families.
“This is devastating to them, and it is devastating to the city,” said Truka.
According to several employees of the plant who spoke on the condition of anonymity,
they were given severance packages but no warning of the closing.
Calls to the headquarters of Diamond Wipes International in Chino, California have not
yet been returned.
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