Virus blamed as plans made to close Mississippi manufacturer
NEW ALBANY, Miss. (AP) — A company that makes coolers and freezers for restaurants, convenience stores and other businesses is closing a manufacturing plant in Mississippi, blaming economic conditions arising from the spread of the new coronavirus.
The New Albany Gazette reports that the Master-Bilt facility in New Albany is closing permanently. Refrigerated Solutions Group issued a statement last week saying it decided to close the plant after reviewing business opportunities and market conditions.
“Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused sudden, dramatic, and unexpected conditions outside of the company’s control," the statement said. Those conditions included government-ordered shutdowns of many of the company's customers.
The company said it would consolidate manufacturing at a Hudson, Wisconsin. facility by Oct. 31.