Pet-food firm sends most of its LI jobs out of state

A Cincinnati pet food company will transfer most of the 70 jobs at its Islandia research facility to Ohio and Virginia, a spokesman confirmed Tuesday.

United Pet Group owns the Islandia facility, United Pet Group Companion Animal Division. About 10 people involved in research and development, marketing, finance and consumer affairs will remain at the facility indefinitely, said spokesman Dave Prichard.

The facility does not manufacture.

About a half-dozen workers have accepted offers to move, Prichard said. Those who didn't, about 50, will be laid off and receive severance pay and access to outplacement services, Prichard said.

"Most of them have decided not to [move]," he added.

United Pet Group is "undergoing a pretty comprehensive facility integration program across North America," Prichard noted. "We certainly regret the impact on our employees."

The layoffs, according to a mandatory WARN notice the company filed with the state Labor Deparment, are scheduled to begin in early May. Prichard said the company told employees about the changes in December and said he expects the layoffs to be completed by October.

Under the state Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification act, or WARN, companies with at least 50 full-time employees have to notify employees, state and local authorities and unions at least 90 days in advance when at least 33 percent of the workforce is laid off, among other stipulations.

The Islandia facility is the North American headquarters for United Pet Group's companion animal products operations, or those involved in the development and manufacture of cat and dog food. United Pet Group itself is a division of Spectrum Brands Holdings of Wisconsin.