Dande Plastics Inc. has closed its doors.
The Dunellen-based custom extruder shut down about two weeks ago, according to former owner Thomas DeMatteo.
``It's definitely closed,'' DeMatteo said in a March 1 telephone interview. ``But I have been out of there for more than a year. When I sold it, I expected it to keep going.''
Dande Plastics had been in operation since 1967, serving several end markets with its extruded profiles including telecommunications, fiber optics, swimming pools and weatherstripping.
DeMatteo sold the company to New York-based Westgate Capital and King Street Capital of Harrisburg, Pa., in late 2000. Together, the companies operated the firm under Dande Holdings Corp. DeMatteo would not comment on reasons for the closing.
In Plastics News' 2001 ranking, Dande reported $19 million in extrusion sales with nine lines operating in one facility, employing 75. At the time, officials indicated plans to expand over the next year.
De Matteo said at its peak, Dande employed 130.
He estimates the firm had about 30 employees when it closed.
