WOW Jimmy, That's Really Going To Make Them Change Their Minds At Labinal

Ireton Asks Labinal to Stay Put

January 15, 2015

Mr. Peter Lengyel

President and Chief Executive Officer

Safran North America

2300 Clarendon Blvd, Suite 607

Arlington, VA 22201

Dear Mr. Lengyel,

The sudden announcement this week of the impending closure of Labinal here in Salisbury has left me saddened and frustrated – emotions which mirror those of my community.   I implore you to reconsider your decision.

This closure has come as a complete surprise to not only me, but to your employees, and to the City of Salisbury.  Safran’s decision to close the Salisbury plant will lead over 500 people to seek employment in an already struggling economy – and that’s not to mention your employees who are family members, putting them in an even more perilous situation.

I know that Senator Mikulski has rallied for Safran in order to secure federal funds for your company’s benefit, and Salisbury and Wicomico County's commitment to this plant throughout its history is unparalleled.  As mayor of a small city, I work endlessly to draw businesses, retail and manufacturing, to our area.  Without manufacturing plants such as yours, a town cannot employ its skilled laborers. 

I would like the opportunity to discuss this closure with you. I welcome a phone call or other correspondence.


Sincerely,

Mayor James Ireton, Jr.

City of Salisbury, Maryland

Publishers Notes: Excuse me Mayor Jimmy but because you are more interested in drinking beer and partying with your pals, let me tell you something.

This was NO surprise to the employees there. IF you had your ear to the ground and people actually liked you, perhaps you would have known almost a year ago, like all of the employees I have spoken to did. You've now dropped their employees down to 500. Interesting because your own figures from the City show them as the 3rd biggest employer and even by your own records it shows at least 650. In reality, a year ago there were 975 employees, but you are too ignorant to know that.

You said, 

"Salisbury and Wicomico County's commitment to this plant throughout its history is unparalleled". Really, we would like to know just what commitment you and the county have made? They purchased the building and property, they paid their water, sewer and taxes just like everyone else, you didn't know they were closing, damn, I'm really curious to know what commitment you are talking about?

"Without manufacturing plants such as yours, a town cannot employ its skilled laborers". 

Jimmy, Jimmy, Jimmy, REALLY? Perhaps you should have thought of that YEARS ago and visited them. The THIRD largest employer and you claim to be shocked and clueless. Yeah, THAT is a real leader. 

Well, at least you've published a public letter to cover your ass. However, I think ANY business person reading it will immediately realize how big an ass you just made of yourself. 

Enjoy the beers at 3rd Friday tonight. I'm sure this will be the talk of the town and you'll blame everyone else. You screwed up Jimmy.