Vertex lays off 61, announces expansion

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — On the same day Vertex Rail Manufacturing announced an expansion, they also confirmed that 61 workers are now out of a job.

According to Vertex General Counsel Foster Sayers, 61 employees who worked in the production of sand hopper cars were let go today.

“Vertex is shifting production focus from sand hoppers to pursue new opportunities within the freight car market—including aggregate and food service hoppers,” Sayers said. “As we shift our focus, we must ensure that our workforce is scaled according to the market.”

A news release sent earlier today from a Vertex spokeswoman said the company was planning to expand their portfolio. The release said the company received a new order for 600 tank cars. Due to this change, the company is planning to improve the facility, expand infrastructure and “adjust its workforce.” Sayers added the due to these changes, hiring has stalled. He said they do not have a date they will resume hiring.

Sayers said they will continue to move toward a goal of employing over 1,000 workers. Previous stories and interviews, including one-on-one interviews with CEO Donald Croteau, said the company had a goal of initially hiring 1,300 people, with the anticipation of doubling that workforce in a few years.