In a press release Monday, Duke's parent company, Sauer Brands Inc. said "it is placing a portion of its workforce on temporary furlough as a result of a sharp industrywide decline in demand for food products from restaurants and other foodservice customers hard hit by the COVID-19 crisis."
131 employees will be furloughed nationwide, 97 of which work here in Mauldin.
Sauer said the furloughs are temporary.
In an emailed statement, the company said they had to adjust production at their plants as demands from food customers are down due to stay-at home orders.
President and CEO Martin Kelly said “We know this is a difficult time for everybody, particularly those who are directly affected, and we regret that circumstances have made this action necessary.”
Employees will be paid through Friday April 17th and eligible to file for unemployment benefits.
The company is keeping employee's health insurance intact and said they will cover their contribution costs of the benefits for the next 2 months.
Official Press Release from Sauer Brands, Inc. below:
