Martin-Brower officials did not return repeated calls for comment about its plans for the building, but local officials hope to attract another food business.
“Obviously, there is a need for that type of facility in this region,” said Mike McDorman, president of the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce.
“Food manufacturing (and) distributors continue to play a strong economic role in our economic success. We’d like to see that building utilized ... for food distribution.”
Springfield has a significant food industry presence. Three major businesses — Dole Fresh Vegetables, Gordon Food Service and Bob Evans Restaurants and Distribution Center — are among the top 25 largest employers in Clark County, according to records from the chamber.
Keystone Foods, former owner of M&M Restaurant Supply, had major local operations until last year. Keystone Foods moved the majority of its distribution to its Fairfield plant last year and laid off or transferred 171 workers from the Springfield plant.
Now, Keystone has now sold all of its distribution plants worldwide — including plants in Springfield and Fairfield, said Keystone spokeswoman Maureen Garrity.
As for the 28 remaining M&M workers who were laid off as a result of the sale, there’s hope they can be re-employed in a similar industry.
“Keystone Foods has worked with the union and our salaried employees to ensure that everyone was treated fairly and equitably through this process,” Garrity said in an email.
She said several job fairs have been held at the M&M Restaurant Supply facility at 4951 Gateway Blvd. in coordination with the State of Ohio WorkPlus Center, I-Supply, the Clark County Department of Job and Family Services, McGregor Metalworking Co. and Gordon Food Supply.
New building owners Martin-Brower are not considering hiring those employees.
“Chipotle, which was served by the Springfield Distribution Center, changed distributors in the Ohio region,” Garrity said. “While the Springfield Distribution Center was included in the sale of assets to Martin-Brower, without the Chipotle business there was no need to staff it.”
Lehan Peters, deputy director of CCDJFS and WorkPlus One-Stop Center, said she did not know if any of those workers have been placed but that many of them had come into WorkPlus to pursue additional training.
“They are definitely following through with us, which is the whole intent of providing Rapid Response services,” Peters said. “At least then we can give them the tools and resources that helps make the transition (from the job) a little easier.”
Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0371 or emason@coxohio.com.
About the Author