CLYNK to close Biddeford processing facility, cut 54 jobs

CLYNK, a South Portland-based bottle redemption and recycling company acquired by a Norwegian firm last year, said it plans to close its Biddeford processing facility in the coming months and lay off 54 employees. The plant, located at 465 Elm St. in Biddeford, sorts and processes large volumes of returned beverage containers placed in green bags at depots in Hannaford parking lots across Maine. The decision to close the plant "is part of a larger project to improve CLYNK’s operations and was not one we took lightly," the company said in a statement emailed to Mainebiz. "We recognize the impact the Biddeford closure will have on valued employees and the local community, but it does not change CLYNK’s deep commitment to Maine, its consumers, our retail partner Hannaford and the long-term strength and success of the state’s Bottle Bill." As part of the reorganization, the company has filed a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN notice) with the state indicating that 54 employees working at the Biddeford plant will lose their jobs. CLYNK declined to disclose details of the job cuts. The company, officially registered as Count & Crush LLC, was acquired by TOMRA (OSE:TOM), a global recycler headquartered near Oslo, Norway, for $45 million. CLYNK is led by Andrew Hollyer, president and CEO of TOMRA North America. CLYNK’s LinkedIn profile shows that the company is staffed by 51 to 200 employees. Maine’s Bottle Bill, approved by referendum in 1976, paved the way for the state’s beverage-container deposit and redemption program, launched in 1978. It was designed to encourage consumers to return beverage containers for recycling rather than throw them away. CLYNK said it is working with all interested parties, including Hannaford and its customers, to ensure a seamless transition and uninterrupted service. A spokeswoman for Hannaford said that customers can continue to use bottle redemption services at Hannaford stores as usual, and that the company does not anticipate any immediate impacts on CLYNK services at this time. “We know how much our customers value the ease and convenience of being able to redeem their bottles when they shop with us, and we’re committed to continuing to offer this service in partnership with CLYNK,” she added. Mayor's response Biddeford Mayor Liam LaFountain said that while disappointed in CLYNK's decision to close its plant, the city stands ready to work with CLYNK, the Maine Department of Labor and local employers to connect affected employees with available jobs, training and other resources. "Biddeford remains a strong place to do business, with a skilled workforce and a city committed to welcoming employers that create stable jobs and invest for the long term," he told Mainebiz. "Businesses interested in locating or expanding in Biddeford are encouraged to contact the city’s Economic Development Department to discuss available opportunities and resources," he added.