The Mitchell Economic Development Commission (EDC) and the Mitchell County Chamber of Commerce will be working to assist local residents affected by last week’s announcement of a significant workforce reduction by Sibelco Corp. at its Mitchell County operations.
Jeff Harding, chairman of the Mitchell County Board of Commissioners, said that Sibelco has not communicated with the county about how many people are being terminated specifically.
“To my knowledge, we’ve had no official notification to the county yet, nor have the EDC or the chamber,” Harding said.
Social media posts have indicated up to 60 positions have been terminated.
Harding said that the terminations will be hard on the local economy as a whole as well as on the employees affected.
“I hate that (employees are facing termination), not only for the folks and their families, but for the county,” he said.
Sibelco has operated in the Mitchell County region for many years and has long been a significant employer, providing hundreds of jobs to residents across Mitchell County and the surrounding area. The company’s presence has played an important role in the local economy and workforce development over time.
Chamber and EDC leaders said that while changes in business climates, market conditions, and organizational needs can at times make difficult decisions like this necessary, they are never easy nor desired — particularly when they affect hardworking individuals and families within a close-knit community.
“The loss of jobs in our community is deeply concerning,” said Bill Slagle, executive director of both the Chamber and the EDC. “These are not just positions on a spreadsheet — they represent individuals and families who contribute to our local economy and community every day. Sibelco has been a longstanding employer in our region, and while business realities sometimes require difficult choices, the impact on our local families is very real. Our focus now is on ensuring those affected know they are not alone and that resources and support are being mobilized.”
The Mitchell Economic Development Commission and the Mitchell County Chamber of Commerce are actively working with local, regional, and state partners to identify available workforce resources, employment opportunities, and support services.
The organizations are coordinating with workforce development agencies and state contacts to serve as a connection point for affected employees seeking assistance.
Sibelco representatives did not respond to requests for comment on the story prior to press time.