JONESBORO, Ark. — Acme Brick confirmed that brick production at its Jonesboro facility will end on Dec. 31, 2026. The decision will affect 27 employees at the plant, according to Gary Grant, the company’s director of human resources.
Reasoning Behind the Closure
Grant said the move is part of an effort to better align Acme’s operations with current market conditions, improve profitability, and position the company for long‑term success. “Our focus remains on serving our customers and strengthening the business for the future,” he added.
The company’s sales office, yard and distribution center in Jonesboro will stay open, ensuring that local contractors continue to receive product and service support.
Company‑Wide Restructuring
Acme Brick President Ed Watson outlined a broader restructuring plan in a letter to employees dated Oct. 22. The letter listed Jonesboro among three brick plants slated for closure, alongside facilities in Montgomery, Ala., and Tulsa, Okla. Watson noted that the company’s business peaked in 2022, but profitability has not yet returned to levels the company deems acceptable. He said the outlook for sustainable growth at several locations remains limited.
In addition to the plant closures, Acme is consolidating sales locations, closing distribution centers in Montgomery and Carrollton, Texas, and exiting the flooring business.
Severance and Transition Support
Acme’s severance policy, provided to the reporter, offers graduated benefits based on length of service for eligible full‑time employees working at least 30 hours per week. Employees with less than 90 days of service receive no severance; those with 90 days to one year receive one week of pay; those with one to five years receive two weeks; and those with six or more years receive two weeks plus an additional half‑week for each year beyond five, up to a maximum of 26 weeks.
The policy requires a signed release agreement before any severance is paid. It also notes that severance may be forfeited if an employee accepts a comparable internal transfer.
Community Impact
The plant’s closure will affect a modest number of workers, but Acme emphasized that the decision is unrelated to employee performance or commitment. “They have worked hard to make their locations successful, and the factors driving these decisions extend well beyond their control,” Watson wrote.
Local officials have not yet commented on the closure, and the Jonesboro plant manager declined to speak further.
Looking Ahead
Acme Brick said it is developing transition plans for each affected location, which will address employee assistance, customer order commitments, inventory considerations, and operational needs. Additional details about outplacement services and internal job opportunities will be shared as plans are finalized.
While the brick‑making operation will cease, the continued operation of the sales and distribution arms aims to preserve Acme’s presence in the Jonesboro market and support the region’s construction sector.
Original reporting: NEA Report (Jonesboro) — read the source article.
