A Fayetteville plant of a Japanese company will close later this year and lay off 68 workers, according to a filing with the N.C. Department of Commerce.
Nitta Gelatin, which has its U.S. headquarters in Morrisville, makes gelatin and collagen ingredients for food products and dietary supplements.
The company said that the layoffs will begin on March 24, and that its workers are not represented by a union. In the filing, it cited “financial challenges and market conditions” for the closing.
The job cuts include the plant manager, production managers, process operators, electricians and lab technicians.
Nitta Gelatin officials did not respond to requests for comment.
Named for its founder, Chojiro Nitta, Nitta Gelatin traces its roots back to a small gelatin and glue manufacturing facility in Osaka, Japan. It now has 15 plants in six countries.
The North America operation specializes in the production of bovine, porcine, and fish gelatins and collagen peptides. The dairy industry makes extensive use of gelatin in makijng sour cream, yogurt, ice cream, cheese and specialty desserts