News & Events - Archived News
|
| [ Up ] |
WORLAND, Wyo. (AP) The Washakie Beet Growers Association is
negotiating with Imperial Sugar on its relationship with the company
and the operation of the Worland Holly Sugar Factory.
The Washakie Beet Growers are currently in negotiations with
Imperial to ensure the operation of the Worland plant for the coming
year and to secure the future of the factory for the growers,
community and employees, according to a news release from the
associations board. Both Imperial and the growers are committed
to this process.
Imperial Sugar is currently in Chapter 11 reorganization. It is the
largest U.S. processor and marketer of refined sugar under brands
including Imperial, Spreckels and Holly.
Holly Sugar produces sugar in a multistate area that includes Wyoming.
In Wyoming, Holly Sugar operates a refinery in Torrington, a factory
in Worland and a seed research laboratory in Sheridan.
The Washakie growers said in their release that a meeting last week
covered four major areas.
The growers were advised of the legal status of Imperials Chapter
11 reorganization; they were advised of the effects of bankruptcy on
remaining 2000 payments; they discussed the options for growers on
lease for 2001 versus contracts; and they were updated on the status
in industry and sugar marketing.
The release concluded, At the meeting the growers remain committed
to the process but are very concerned about the timing issue. The
rapid resolution of the negotiations is crucial for the growers to
plant and grow beets for 2001.
Earlier, Holly Sugar President Roger Hill said Imperial and the
growers are negotiating but he could not comment.
Hill did say that the company is contracting with growers at the
Torrington factory and has given the go ahead to contract at the
Sidney, Mont., factory. |
|