Brenham-based Blue Bell Creameries said Friday it was laying off 1,450 workers and furloughing 1,400 more in light of a listeria outbreak that has idled operations at its four production facilities and sparked a nationwide recall of 8 million gallons of frozen treats.
About 750 of the workers being laid off are full-time, CEO Paul Kruse said a written statement, with the remaining 700 classified as part-time.
The company has almost 4,000 workers nationwide, including 900 in Brenham, where it is the city’s largest private employer.
Some remaining workers will see their hours and pay slashed.
“The agonizing decision to lay off hundreds of our great workers and reduce hours and pay for others was the most difficult one I have had to make in my time as Blue Bell’s CEO and president,” Kruse said. “At Blue Bell, our employees are part of our family, and we did everything we could to keep people on our payroll for as long as possible. At the same time, we have an obligation to do what is necessary to bring Blue Bell back and ensure its viability in the future. This is a sad day for all of us at Blue Bell, and for me personally.”
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