Hostess Closing Means Layoffs Likely for Orlando's Merita Bakery November 16, 2012 | WMFE - The iconic Merita Bread neon sign along Interstate 4 may blink off for good soon if the bakery doesn't find a new owner. Bakery giant Hostess Brands, maker of such well known products as Twinkies and Wonder Bread, announced this morning that it is closing all of its operations including the Merita bakery near downtown Orlando. The company’s attorneys are expected ask a bankruptcy court today for permission to liquidate the company, close all its bakeries and lay off 18,000 employees nationwide. Hostess had been working through bankruptcy protection proceedings but says a national strike by its employees is the final blow that is putting the company out of business. Employees on the picket line at the bakery on Division St. in downtown Orlando told the Orlando Sentinel they are still hoping a new owner will take over and keep the facility’s 189 employees on the job. |
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