Morton Salt Inc. announced Tuesday it will stop packaging and warehousing operations at its Elston Avenue center by the end of October. The move will affect 23 people.
Morton Salt began operations on Elston in the 1920s. The Chicago-based company said it will maintain a business presence on the Goose Island site.
The center packages and stores ice-melting salt and other salts used by commercial businesses.
In a news release, Jim Vincent, vice president of operations, said a review of company operations “showed that it would be more efficient to serve customers from other sites in our network.”
Employees were told about the changes Tuesday.
“We will work closely with impacted team members on their individual transition plans and provide severance packages and other benefits,” Vincent said. “Where possible, we will also consider these team members for other positions in the company.”
A wall collapsed at the warehouse in December 2014, burying several parked cars.
Morton Salt plans to move its headquarters from North Wacker Drive to a new River Point property in December 2016.
“The Morton Salt facility on Elston Avenue has an iconic presence in Chicago,” chief executive officer Christian Herrmann said in a news release. “That’s why we will explore all possibilities related to the future of the property and the infrastructure upon it. Our company was founded in Chicago and we are committed to the long, rich history we have here.”
