In what comes as a significant blow to the local economy of Marshall, Michigan, the Marshall Excelsior Company is set to close all three of its manufacturing facilities, with a total of 71 employees facing layoffs. As reported by FOX 17, Ohio-based OPW has confirmed these facilities will shut down by next March, causing concern among the workforce.
Worker separations are expected to start this September. Although the closure will take place over several months, with some jobs concluding before the end of the year. According to a notice submitted to the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, which was detailed by MLive, these layoffs are slated to continue until March 30, 2026, a full seven months after the initial reductions begin.
The facilities located at 1506 and 1508 George Brown Drive, as well as 1505 Adam Drive, have been part of Marshall’s industrial landscape for nearly five decades. Marshall Excelsior Company manufactures various specialized products, particularly for the safe transport and handling of Liquefied Petroleum Gas and ammonia, as noted by MLive.
Upon announcing this strategic move, OPW emphasized its commitment to aiding affected employees, "This decision was not made lightly and follows a thorough evaluation of our long-term business needs and operational strategy," a spokesperson for OPW stated, as per WoodTV. The provided support would include severance packages, outplacement support, and where possible, opportunities at other company locations.
Notably, OPW had only acquired the Marshall Excelsior plant last year for $395 million, with the manufacturing site having been established back in 1976. Over the years; the company has been recognized for a plethora of industrial gas equipment, including items like the Excela-Flo Regulators and Flex-Vent Regulator Vent Kits, which are listed on their website for industry clients.
