LOWVILLE, N.Y. -- Kraft Heinz is growing. It's about to embark on a big expansion. It's something that Lewis County believes will be a big help to the area. It also was bad news for other communities.
But as the growth begins, the plant in Lowville is moving around some pieces.
Starting in September, it's distribution services will be provided by DHL. That means 19 people's jobs are affected. Kraft Heinz says that's so the company can focus on making product.
We are not yet sure if those changes are effective immediately or begin in September, but those 19 people will have the chance to take other jobs in the factory or receive a severance package from the company.
Here is a statement released by Kraft Heinz's Michael Mullen, "We are shifting warehouse distribution responsibilities at our Lowville, New York factory to DHL beginning in September 2016. This will allow us to focus our efforts and resources on the manufacturing activities. Each of the 19 affected employees will have an opportunity to fill open positions elsewhere in the factory or to elect a severance package. As always, we remain committed to treating our people with the utmost respect and dignity."
We have reached back out to him in hopes of getting some clarification about the employees and when they will be off the job, if they aren't already.