Bluefield Daily Telegraph, Bluefield, WV

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  • Flowers Baking Company employee Alvin Smith fills his plate at the serving line at Ryder, whose employees treated the Flowers staff to lunch Friday. Staff photo by Jon Bolt

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March 5, 2011

Employees bid farewell as Flowers Baking Company shuts doors

CHARLES OWENS Bluefield Daily Telegraph

BLUEFIELD — The last day on the job proved to be a difficult, and for many who were still visibly upset, an emotional experience Friday at the now closed Flowers Baking Company.

“It just came as a massive jolt,” Michael Lambert, one of several dozen Flowers Baking Company employees who participated in a luncheon held in their honor at the neighboring Ryder Transportation Services, said of today’s closure. “It’s rough for the families and all of the people.”

Lambert, who worked for Flowers Baking for 22 years , said it will be difficult to see the bakery closed.

“It really is tough,” Lambert said. “It’s a devastating blow.”

Even though Friday was his last day on the job, Jason Bailey said it was still difficult to believe.

“It’s kind of depressing,” Bailey said. “The hardest part of it is (saying good-bye) to all of your co-workers. About everyone saw it coming, but we didn’t know when.”

Bailey, an employee of Flowers Baking for seven years, said he will probably look for employment in the coal mines.

Daniel Wyse, who worked for Flowers for 18 years, said he hopes to stay in the area, but admits he may have to leave.

“I’ve enjoyed my time here,” Wyse said. “All of the guys here are like family to me.”

Wyse said he wasn’t surprised by the closure, adding he saw the “writing on the wall” six months ago.

“I hope to stay in the area, but can relocate if needed,” Wyse said. “But I’d hate to leave. But I’m ex-military. I’m used to moving around.”

Dozens of employees from Flowers crossed over to neighboring Ryder Transportation Services at noon Friday for a free luncheon held in their honor. David Bailey, a technician with Ryder, said the Flowers Baking employees are like family.

“They’ve been our customers since 1987,” Bailey said. “We just wanted to show our appreciation to them. It’s almost like a family. We are all here on the same lot.”

Bailey said the closure of Flowers Baking will have a direct impact on Ryder Transportation.

“It’s going to effect us,” Bailey said. “Flowers had 11 tractors and 45 trailers. That’s 45 pieces of equipment we were used to serving everyday. We don’t know what will happen. It’s still up in the air.”

Flowers Baking Company will officially cease operations today at its Route 52 site. More than 160 employees will be out of work at that time.

Employees will receive pay and benefits through April 20 as well as “a competitive severance package,” company officials said earlier this week. The bakery will negotiate with the union on the severance, and employees not covered by the bargaining agreement will receive a separate severance package.

Flowers Bakery  also operates two discount stores, one in Bluefield and another in Princeton. Both of those stores are expected to remain open.

— Contact Charles Owens at cowens@bdtonline.com

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