Pandemic Claims Another Manufacturer

Ecolab's surgical business took a big hit last year.

Based in St. Paul, Minnesota, Ecolab provides water, hygiene and infection prevention solutions and services to more than 40 industries — everything from food processing plants to hospitals.

This week, the company announced plans to shutter its plant in Columbus, Mississippi, according to The Columbus Dispatch.

The facility manufactures products used in surgical suites. 

According to a company spokesperson, Ecolab's surgical business took a big hit last year as elective surgical procedures were cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Some 61 employees work at the facility. According to the company, 18 employees will be able to work from home, but 43 workers will be out of work. 

The employees can apply for open positions within the company. The work will move to another facility.

In 2007, Ecolab acquired MicroTek, and the facility was part of the deal. 

In 2015, the plant peaked with 152 employees.

More in Operations