Wisconsin-based processed cheese manufacturer Ornua Ingredients North America filed a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Notice with the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry on Tuesday, March 5, to tell the state that it is closing its manufacturing plant at 2850 Perry Highway, Scott Township, Lawrence County.

According to the notice on the Department of Labor and Industry’s website, the closure is to be permanent and the company will let 66 employees go.

The notice also explained most of the terminations occurred Feb. 24, but some employees are expected to remain until April 23 to help with closing operations at the plant.

Jason Delaney, Ornua Ingredients North America’s president, stated in the notice that the closing is a result of an “unforeseeable cancellation of a manufacturing agreement with our sole customer at the Slippery Rock plant.”

“It is with much regret, that we have announced the closure of our Slippery Rock facility,” Delaney said. “Following the sudden and unexpected decision of the plant’s only customer to change strategic direction, it is no longer viable to produce product at the site.

“Our thoughts are with our colleagues at this very difficult time. This decision was entirely unforeseen and does not reflect the high quality of their work and their commitment to the business. We will be doing everything we can to provide them with support and assistance.”

Delaney also stated in the notice that the unnamed customer informed Ornua of the cessation of its business on Feb. 14.

According to the company’s website, Ornua Ingredients North America also has manufacturing facilities in Byron, Mich. and Hilbert, Wis.

The company has been in business for more than 80 years with customers ranging from Fortune 100 companies to small businesses in the food processing and food service markets.