Factory to close

Phillips-Medisize says

Medford plant closure will impact 170 jobs

News Editor

A long-time area employer has announced plans to shutter its Medford manufacturing facility.

On August 18, Phillips-Medisize announced plans to close its Whelen Ave. facility in Medford, in a series of phases by the end of 2023.

Phillips-Medisize is a global manufacturer of commercial and medical solutions. Company officials said the plans to close the local plant came “after careful consideration and analysis of its global footprint.”

“A community never wants to lose a business, especially one that has been a good partner and employer within the community like Phillips-Medisize has been to Medford,” said Christine Weix, Medford City Council President.

“Medford is very fortunate to have a very diverse field of economic opportunity which will help ease the loss of Phillips Medisize. Many other industry leaders in our area are looking for skilled employees and we are hopeful the displaced employees will find a new career within the Medford area,” she said.

See PHILLIPS-MEDISIZE on page 16

Phillips-Medisize will close its Medford facility. “We were saddened to hear about Phillips-Medisize as they have been a great corporate partner in Medford’s continued growth. We wish them much success in the future,” said Sue Emmerich of the Medford Area Development Foundation.

According to spokesperson Lonna Brantner, “Phillips- Medisize operates in changing markets that require us to continually evaluate global capacity and capabilities to ensure we remain competitive for the long-term. Production at the Medford site will move to our Phillips, Wis. facilities. With their larger footprint, the Phillips sites have the existing scale, capacity, and capabilities to support our customers in the future.”

There are currently 170 employees at the Medford site. Brantner noted Phillips-Medisize has other locations in Wisconsin with job openings and Medford employees will be able to apply for openings at those sites

“Many other industry leaders in our area are looking for skilled employees and we are hopeful the displaced employees will find a new career within the Medford area.”

— Christine Weix, city council president.

as well as at other Molex and Koch locations.

“We will also offer a severance package and focused employee assistance over the coming months. We are grateful for our employees’ continued dedication, hard work and commitment to customers as the facility transitions,” Brantner said.