Mayer Brothers Apple Products, a well-known producer of apple cider and other beverages, has announced the layoff of 26 employees at its Niagara County bottling facility, located at 7389 Lake Road in Barker. This layoff will affect about 21% of the plant’s workforce, which consists of 123 employees, according to a WARN notice filed with the New York State Department of Labor on Friday.
Impact on Workers
The affected workers are primarily production personnel, whose roles are essential to the company’s seasonal bottling and distribution operations. The layoffs come during the company’s peak season, when the demand for apple cider is typically at its highest. For many seasonal workers, this period represents a significant part of their annual earnings, making the layoffs especially difficult. The WARN notice, a legal requirement for companies laying off significant numbers of employees, ensures that workers are provided with advance notice to help them prepare for the transition.
Reason for Layoffs
Alan Zak, the controller at Mayer Brothers, explained that the layoffs were a result of a reduction in production commitments from one of their key customers. “One of our customers has reduced their production commitment with us, and as a result, we have had to make difficult decisions regarding staffing in our production department,” Zak said. He did not specify the customer in question but emphasized that the decision was driven by changing market dynamics and demand, rather than operational or internal company issues.
Peak Season and Industry Challenges
This layoff is unusual for a company like Mayer Brothers, which typically sees higher demand during the fall season due to the popularity of apple-based products. As a leader in apple cider production in the region, Mayer Brothers relies on the peak harvest season to generate a significant portion of its revenue. However, industry challenges such as fluctuating customer demand and supply chain disruptions may have contributed to the reduced production needs that led to the layoffs.
Economic Impact on Niagara County
The layoffs also highlight the economic pressures faced by the local community in Niagara County, where Mayer Brothers is a major employer. The company’s facilities in Barker and other nearby locations support not only direct jobs in production and bottling but also indirectly impact local suppliers, farmers, and distributors. While only 26 jobs are being cut, the ripple effects could extend to other parts of the local economy, especially if demand continues to fluctuate in the future.
Response from the Company
Mayer Brothers has not yet detailed any long-term plans for the facility or indicated whether the layoffs might be permanent. The company is expected to work with the affected employees to provide severance packages and potentially offer support in finding new employment opportunities. There is no indication of whether the reduction in production is a short-term issue related to the current market or part of a longer-term trend that could impact future operations.
Looking Forward
Despite the layoffs, Mayer Brothers continues to operate at other locations and remains a significant player in the beverage industry. The company has a long history in New York State, having been in operation since 1852, and has weathered numerous challenges throughout its existence. Industry analysts suggest that the beverage sector, especially in areas like apple cider and other seasonal products, is likely to continue facing volatility in the near future, with companies needing to adapt to changing market conditions.
As the company navigates these challenges, both employees and the local community will be closely watching Mayer Brothers’ next steps, hoping for a resolution that ensures long-term stability for the business and its workforce.
