Is the Huron lime plant closing?

HURON — A major employer in Huron could shut down by next month.Management at Huron Lime Inc. told staff this past week the company sold off to Pennsylvania-headquartered Carmeuse Lime & Stone, according to an employee who spoke with the Register. The person requested anonymity for fear of facing possible retaliation."They told us we would keep working until all the stone was gone," the employee said. "Once we turn the last bit of stone into lime, they told us we would no longer be needed. We believe that's less than 30 days from now."This employee provided a bit more context into some behind-the-scenes dealings."It's my understanding Carmeuse owns plants up toward Cleveland and down toward Findlay and that they would take the accounts (in Huron) and work on them at other plants," the worker said.Added Maria Johnson Pounds, who posted in the "You know you're from Huron if…" Facebook group: "I am the wife of a supervisor, and I can confirm it is closing. We are heartbroken and saddened by this great loss."About 30 people work at the company — known by some locals as the "cloud maker" for producing similar shapes floating above its Meeker Street facility — which started operations in Huron about 50 years ago. Among its service, the lime plant makes an ingredient used in the production of concrete.Huron Lime Inc. "has a long history of providing excellent quicklime and related calcium products into a variety of applications, including steel processing, chemical manufacturing, construction, agricultural and water treatment," according to a company statement.Neither officials working for Huron's government nor those representing the Erie County Economic Development Corp. could confirm the closing, yet they heard speculation running rampant around town.Multiple messages left with management on Thursday and Friday, meanwhile, were not returned. The quoted worker called it "a good job" where entry-level employees made about $21 an hour."It's a shame for this area to lose another decent job."Reach reporter Andy Ouriel at ouriel@sanduskyregister.com and follow him on Twitter @AndyOuriel.Huron Lime Inc. in Huron.