It is no secret that the state of Florida is one of the world’s largest producers of citrus fruits. A company that exports some of Florida’s orange juice – Cutrale – is closing one of Florida’s plants, and this will result in some job losses. In fact, over 100 people will reportedly lose their jobs.
About Cutrale: This Brazilian-based company is one of the world’s largest exporters of citrus products such as citrus fruits, orange juice, essential oils, and bran.
The company has several locations throughout Florida, including in Bartow, Auburndale, Lake Alfred, and Leesburg.
Employees who work at the location in question give it 3 out of 5 stars on Indeed. Some said that Cutrale was a fun place to work and there was room for growth, but one person said that the company has a “toxic work culture.”
The Upcoming Closure And Layoffs: According to a warn letter dated May 17, 2024, Cutrale’s Leesburg facility will shut down in two phases – one in July and one in October. By the end of the closure, 117 employees will be laid off from their jobs.
The employees were not represented by a union and did not have bumping rights. Job titles of some of the affected jobs are materials handler, safety handler, process engineer, operator, logistics clerk, human resources manager, packaging supervisor, refrigeration technician, and package handler, to name some examples.