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In Letter to Company’s North American President and CEO, Casey Urges Schott to Commit to Keeping Remaining Jobs at Facility

Washington, DC- Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) announced that he has sent a letter to Schott’s North American President and CEO, Mr. Wolters, pressing the company on its future plans for its Duryea plant following 80 layoffs. In his letter, Casey asked the company to commit to keeping the plant’s remaining jobs and maintaining a presence in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

“Northeastern Pennsylvania’s highly skilled workforce has been an asset to Schott for years and I’m urging the company to commit to the region and its workers in the future,” Senator Casey said. “In the wake of these layoffs it’s important that Schott lays out its long term vision for the current workforce and for its presence in Northeastern Pennsylvania.”

The full text of Casey’s letter can be seen below:

Dear Mr. Wolters:

As a senator for Pennsylvania and a resident of Northeastern Pennsylvania, I know the many advantages the area has to offer including a strong workforce.  Given Schott’s presence in Pennsylvania over many decades, I am sure you would agree with this sentiment. 

That is why I was disappointed to learn about the layoffs announced last month in the Duryea optics division.  It is my understanding that the work performed by these employees will be consolidated at your facility in Mainz, Germany.   

These layoffs represent a third of the workforce at the Duryea facility.

What is your long-term vision for the Duryea facility and the other facilities in Pennsylvania?  Do you anticipate additional consolidation that would negatively impact the Pennsylvania workforce or do you see growth with new product lines?

Given the long history and productive history of Schott in Pennsylvania, I hope that this partnership will continue with a robust workforce in Duryea and at your other Pennsylvania facilities. 

Sincerely,

Robert P. Casey, Jr.

United States Senator

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