Job fair in Belfast aims to help workers after devastating potato factory fire

Courtesy / Office of Gov. Janet Mills Gov. Janet Mills, Belfast City Manager Erin Herbig and Penobscot McCrum CEO Jay McCrum stand outside the potato processing facility after the March fire.

Write a Comment

By Jessica Hall

More than 40 employers will join a job fair in Belfast to help 138 Penobscot McCrum employees after a fire last month left the company's potato processing factory in the city a total loss.

Employers including AthenaHealth, MaineHealth, Hannaford, Puritan Medical Products and Viking Lumber are among those that plan to be at the event, organized by the Maine Department of Labor.

The job fair is scheduled for Tuesday, April 12 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the University of Maine Hutchinson Center, 80 Belmont Ave., Belfast.

While the job fair was organized in response to workers being displaced by the Penobscot McCrum factory fire, all job seekers are welcome, the Labor Department said.

“I encourage all job seekers in the Belfast area, including any affected by the Penobscot McCrum fire, to attend this job fair featuring a variety of employers and connect with the local CareerCenter,” said Laura Fortman, commissioner of the state Department of Labor. “Looking for a job can be overwhelming. Whether you are looking for your next opportunity, a new career, or want to learn new skills to advance your career, the Maine CareerCenter is here to help.”

The fire at Penobscot McCrum at 28 Pierce St. in Belfast was ruled accidental, according to the state fire marshal. There were no injuries.

The Department of Labor is working with many local agencies, including the Belfast Area Chamber of Commerce, the city of Belfast, as well as nonprofits Workforce Solutions, and Coastal Counties Workforce Inc., which provide federally funded workforce training and employment-related services in the six coastal counties from York to Waldo.

The job fair will also offer services such as assistance with health insurance, connecting with job training, and finding educational opportunities.

The Maine Department of Labor’s statewide Rapid Response team helps laid off workers with information on issues ranging from unemployment insurance, health insurance options, Maine JobLink and immediate employment needs, CareerCenter services, and training options. CareerCenter consultants can provide one-on-one employment coaching and feedback on jobseeker resumes and cover letters.

The McCrum family represents five generations of potato farmers, who began in the northern Maine town of Mars Hill. From its beginning in 1886 and into the 21st century, the McCrum family potato farm has employed generations of Mainers.

Penobscot McCrum LLC was formed in 2004 when the McCrum family purchased the assets of Penobscot Frozen Foods, creating one of North America’s largest suppliers of potato specialty products. In addition to the Belfast site, the company opened a processing facility in Washburn in June 2020.

Local businesses, community members and the city of Belfast have stepped up to help the displaced workers. The city of Belfast used money from its Keep the Faith Fund to provide $100 Hannaford gift cards to affected employees. The fund was originally started to provide relief to residents during the COVID-19 pandemic through small business grants and grocery vouchers.