Constantine schools prepare for Rexam closure

The Constantine school district is looking toward the future in the wake of the February 17th announcement by London-based Rexam that it plans to close its manufacturing facility in Constantine “by the end of the third quarter of 2010.”

The plant, which began operations in 1972, employs approximately 240 people and manufactures plastic caps for the beverage market, including carbonated soft drink and bottled water products.

Rexam said all employees affected by the plant closure will receive competitive severance packages and outplacement assistance.

In commenting on the announcement, Chuck Frisbie, superintendent of the Constantine Public Schools, said, “Obviously, this isn’t a good thing for the community or the school system.”

Frisbie said this closing, as well as the “severe hits” experienced by the RV industry in Elkhart County, “have taken their toll.”

Frisbie said, “The biggest impact for the school will be the amount of students and families that will need to move as a result of the closing. We’re going to be looking at the possible impact in regards to the amount of students that are affected by the closing and make adjustments to our budgeting process for next year.”

Rexam said closure of Constantine plant “further aligns the company’s manufacturing capabilities, improves overall asset utilization and helps balance industry capacity and demand.”