65 workers to be laid off at Stroehmann Bakery - abc27 WHTM

65 workers to be laid off at Stroehmann Bakery

Workers at the Stroehmann Bakery in Swatara Township couldn't believe the news.

"Like a smack in the face, like no warning no nothing -- just here it is," one employee told abc27.

They said the company made the announcement early Friday morning informing workers that the "bread line" will be shut down and nearly 65 employees will be out of work.

"It was a shock. It was an initial shock for me, (and) a lot of people here," the worker added.

So why is the company cutting production and staff? A company spokesman of Bimbo Bakeries U.S.A., which owns the bakery, said it's not about tough times, but antitrust laws.

According to the spokesperson, Bimbo wanted to buy part of another food company, Sarah Lee's Fresh Bakery Line, last year. However, the federal government said it would then rule too much of the market. Under the deal, the company would have to cut back, and that is finally trickling down to the Midstate.

Stroehmann's will now produce less and that's bad news for local workers.

"I'm mad but its like there is only so much I can do about it. It's already a done deal," the worker said discussing his unknown future with the company.