A New York State maker of plastic dinnerware has shut down. But economic development officials are holding out hope the facility can reopen.
Falconer, N.Y.-based MVP Plastics has closed, but the Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agency is reportedly negotiating with a new investor to reopen the site, according to the Post-Journal newspaper.
MVP made plates and bowls, according to its website, and championed its products as being safer for the environment compared with polystyrene dinnerware.
But manufacturing has ceased and the company owes about $800,000 in loans given through the development agency. Equipment is now in the hands of creditors, the newspaper said.
Kevin Sanvidge, executive director of the development agency, did not respond to repeated attempts to contact him for comment. And company officials could not be reached. Several telephone lines into MVP remain connected, but they were unanswered.
MVP Plastics — the company's legal name is Jamestown MVP LLC — operated out of more than 100,000 square feet and was centrally located for distribution to the Northeast, Midwest and Canada, according to the company's LinkedIn profile. The firm had between 11 and 50 employees.
“MVP Plastics was established to manufacture a variety of disposable plastic products for use in the food industry, using fully automated state of the art high speed production lines, and the newest and most modern resin technology,” the LinkedIn profile reads.
In June the company faced a proposed $87,520 file from the Occupational Health and Safety Administration for allegedly failing to correct fall hazards and for allowing a recurring electrical hazard, the agency said.