Garner Industries laying off 62 workers after devastating tornado

Garner Industries officials announced the company is laying off more than 60 people after a tornado destroyed the company’s facility.

Scott McLain, CEO and president of Garner Industries, announced 62 employee layoffs Monday after a tornado caused catastrophic damage to the plant on April 26, rendering the facility beyond repair.

A press release stated the company gave employees notice in accordance with the Federal Workers’ Adjustment and Retraining Act.

“We’ve worked hard to find a path to move forward,” McLain said. “These layoffs are necessary for us to stay in business. This is an extremely difficult situation. These people are like family.”

The press release also said incredibly, there were no fatalities at the site when the building was destroyed.

The EF3 tornado destroyed the entire 115,000-square-foot facility, including production, engineering, warehousing, inventory, and office space. All machine tool, molding, and automation equipment was destroyed.

Key personnel are working to relocate Garner’s BinMaster product line to an alternate location in Lincoln. BinMaster is a sensor and software company that provides level controls for measuring bulk solids and liquids in silos, tanks, and bins. Approximately 70 employees will continue to be employed by the BinMaster operation.

Garner is providing compensation and health benefits to employees affected by the layoff. The company has also organized community support, medical, and mental health assistance as well as new employment recruiting opportunities, the press release stated.