Barnsdall Reacts To NuCera Solutions Plant Closing Down

A major employer in tornado-ravaged Barnsdall is closing down. NuCera Solutions was damaged in the EF-4 tornado that hit the small town on May 6th. The company employs 122 people and 93 work at the Barnsdall plant. 

“So there's people here who literally do not have a home, they have a piece of land and no job. What are they going to do, pitch a tent?” Said Jessie Stroud. 

Jessie Stroud works at the convenience store just across the street from NuCera Solutions. 

"I'm sad, sad news I hope for the future that something comes in replaces. We have some kind of positive economic impact but as far as I see it for right now it's pretty bleak," said Stroud. 

The company says repairs to get the plant back up and running are not financially viable. Employees will be paid for the next 60 days and then offered a severance as well as help finding another job. 

Mayor Johnny Kelley is frustrated by the announcement but says he's trying to stay positive. 

“I am confident that somebody somewhere will want to do something here that this won’t. I won’t allow it to sit idle as the mayor here. We can’t have that," said Johnny Kelley. 

The convenience store across the street could feel the impact too. 

“Our little store here is gonna suffer. I mean, we feed these guys lunch every day,” said Stroud. 

One business owner in town says he hopes this setback is only temporary.

“This town is tough, we will survive, we will make it. And I would just like for y'all to keep all the folks in your prayers," said Terry Shreeve. 

The plant will keep on about 50 employees for the next six to 12 months as they wrap up operations before officially closing their gates for good.

Original story below...

The corporation that runs the NuCera Solutions plant in Barnsdall announced it would be phasing out operations in the next six to 12 months after taking a direct hit from an EF-4 tornado in early May.

The plant took a direct hit from the May 6, 2024, tornado. No employees were injured but the plant was severely damaged.

Chase Corporation released the following statement:

“The decision to phase out operations at the NuCera Solutions plant in Barnsdall is an extremely difficult and painful one. We love this community and had always planned on being a part of it for many years. Unfortunately, the damage sustained to our facility was extensive, and restoring it to a fully operational status is not financially viable.  

“All of our Barnsdall team-members will be paid and employed for another 60 days, and all will be offered a severance package after that 60 day window. We wish all our departing employees and the Barnsdall community the best, and we know that the character and resilience they continue to demonstrate will serve them well in the future.” - Chase Corporation CEO Eric Conley

The statement said there are currently 93 employees in Barnsdall out of the 122 working at NuCera. The total number of employees will be reduced to about 50 before the phaseout is complete in the next six to 12 months.

All employees will receive their regular pay from the date of the announcement for 60 days and will be offered a severance beyond that 60-day window.

Chase Corporation said all impacted employees will have access to free outplacement services, access to public benefits and financial coaching.

The decision to close has been communicated to local, state and federal officials, the corporation said.

For coverage on the May 6, 2024, storms, CLICK HERE.