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Layoffs expected as ACCO set to close distribution center, but majority of jobs to return with 'new work' in early 2022

Posted 9/9/21

BY JIMMY LAWTON North Country This Week OGDENSBURG — ACCO could temporarily cut more than 30 jobs as the company plans to move its distribution in Ogdensburg to Canada but the majority of layoffs …

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Layoffs expected as ACCO set to close distribution center, but majority of jobs to return with 'new work' in early 2022

Posted

BY JIMMY LAWTON
North Country This Week

OGDENSBURG — ACCO could temporarily cut more than 30 jobs as the company plans to move its distribution in Ogdensburg to Canada but the majority of layoffs are expected to be replaced early next year.

Calls to ACCO in Ogdensburg were redirected to a media line, but North Country This Week has not received a returned call at this time.

However, Mayor Jeffrey Skelly confirmed the news in a press release issued today.

“The City of Ogdensburg was notified today that ACCO Brands will be making changes to their current operations and closing the “Canadian Warehouse Operations” portion of their business. The “United States Warehouse Operations” at the same facility will continue,” the release said.

The ACCO Brands facility in Ogdensburg currently employs approximately 70 people, and the number of employees associated with the Canadian Warehouse Operations is approximately 32 (5 management and 27 union), according to the release.

The release notes that Acco Brands is “committed to maintaining as many jobs at possible at the Ogdensburg Facility” and has made the decision to bring in new work to continue employing the 27 union personnel.

Five management jobs will be abolished permanently.

“The new work the company is projecting to bring to the Ogdensburg Facility will likely not occur until the first of 2022, so there may be temporary layoffs associated with the transition from the closing of the Canadian Warehouse Operations and the start-up of the new work,” the release says.

Mayor Skelly said the city, working through the St. Lawrence County IDA, will continue to work with ACCO Brands to support and encourage their continued operations in Ogdensburg.

“While the move by ACCO Brands is purely a business efficiency decision made by their leadership, it is a continued signal that the City of Ogdensburg and St. Lawrence County must take every proactive measure to make this region more business-friendly and cost efficient,” the release says.

“Reducing the local tax burden, streamlining local government bureaucracy and forming strong private-public partnerships are critical steps that must be embraced by all local government officials,” Skelly said in the release. “We cannot wait for the State or Federal Government to solve our problems and attract business to our city and county, we must continue to act decisively to improve our economic posture."

North Country This Week has sought additional comments from Sen. Patti Ritchie and Assemblyman Mark Walczyk