ROCKLAND, Maine — FMC has reduced the headcount at its Rockland plant, saying it was necessary to stay globally competitive.
The company, one of the largest employers in Knox County with about 130 employees as of 2014, did not indicate in a statement issued Wednesday exactly how many jobs were eliminated. Calls seeking more information from the company were referred to corporate public relations officers, who have not yet responded.
FMC’s plant on the Rockland waterfront manufactures carrageenan, which is a common food additive extracted from seaweed and used as a thickening agent and stabilizer in such items as whipped cream, yogurt, ice cream, toothpaste and gelatin products.
“As any business does, FMC continually evaluates its business and product strategies to ensure it stays competitive and flexible to adapt to evolving market conditions,” the plant manager said in the statement. “We want to be sure we always remain a viable, sustainable and important member of our communities.
“This is particularly important in Rockland, given our history here and the deep relationships we’ve made in this area. In response to current market conditions, we have made the decision to implement a series of activities to face market realities and ensure this facility is prepared for the future.”
FMC is Rockland’s largest property taxpayer and about a third of its workforce is employed in well-paying specialized scientific and technology jobs.
According to the statement, the Rockland plant initiated an “organizational restructuring process” on Tuesday that resulted in “a reduction in headcount” at the plant.
“These reductions in headcount are in no way a reflection of our Rockland team’s performance. We simply must make sure we have the processes and staff in place to deliver quality product as safely and efficiently as possible for our customers, while continuing to maintain the right cost profile.
“The carrageenan product line produced in Rockland remains critical to FMC. Ensuring that we have the right structure in place and can remain cost-competitive will help this site and the business thrive,” the letter concludes.
The Rockland plant has operated since 1936, when the Algin Corporation opened the facility. The Rockland plant is now the only carrageenan manufacturing plant in North America, according to FMC’s website.
FMC’s website states that the food and nutrition division of the company, which includes the Rockland plant, had revenues of $785 million in 2015, 5 percent less than in 2014. The projected revenues for 2016 are between $775 million and $825 million. Earnings from revenues last year totaled $195 million, 4 percent more than 2014.