Welbilt To Temporarily Close Plants During Coronavirus Pandemic

NEW PORT RICHEY, FL — Welbilt Inc., a food service equipment company based in New Port Richey, announced this week that it is temporarily closing five of its 10 American plants and three of its six plants in Europe, the Middle East and Africa due to the coronavirus pandemic.

In a news release, Welbilt said the one- to two-week closures will begin in early April.

"Our top priority is the health and safety of our employees as we address the unprecedented economic challenges facing us and the commercial food service industry," said Welbilt directors in the release.

The company is taking other measures to manage its costs. It has reduced its workforce by 200 people, its board of directors voluntarily reduced its cash-based fees by 50 percent and its executive leadership voluntarily reduced its base salaries by 50 percent for the months of April and May.

Other salaried employees are taking voluntary salary reductions of between 10 and 25 percent during this period. In addition, some salaried and hourly office and production employees have been, or will be, temporarily furloughed.

Welbilt operates 20 manufacturing facilities throughout America, Europe and Asia and employs about 4,800 people. Last year the company generated $1.6 billion in sales.