PETERSBURG, Va. (AP) — A Petersburg chemical plant plans to close by the end of 2014, laying off 240 employees.
Boehringer Ingelheim Chemicals Inc. said Thursday that it will begin to phase out operations starting in December 2013.
The Petersburg facility that has been in operation since the late 1970s manufactures active ingredients for the pharmaceutical industry.
Officials say its parent company decided to close the facility as part of a review of its manufacturing capabilities needed to meet industry demands.
The company also was unable to find a suitable buyer for the plant.
Boehringer Ingelheim will be offering out-placement services and plans to reach out to industry partners to explore other opportunities for employees.