It was also announced that Diversapack of Monroe would close on or around March 5, affecting approximately 173 jobs.
The lodge is part of Hueston Woods State Park, which spans Butler and Preble counties. A notice submitted to Ohio Department of Job and Family Services by Xanterra showed that 93 jobs would be terminated Feb. 7, or during the 14 days after.
Jim Henahan, spokesman for Ohio State Parks, on Tuesday said all employees have been offered jobs by the new management company, U.S. Hotel & Resort Management.
Hueston Woods Lodge has approximately 14 full-time and 77 part-time employees, Henahan said.
“So if they want them, they’ve got jobs,” he said.
The letter from Xanterra stated that Ohio Department of Natural Resources did not accept its bid to continue managing Hueston Woods Lodge, 5201 Lodge Road.
Xanterra made arrangements with U.S. Hotel & Resort Management to interview Hueston Woods employees for possible continued employment.
South Dakota-based U.S. Hotel received the new 10-year contract, Henahan said.
It also received the contract to manage Shawnee Lodge and Conference Center in West Portsmouth, which was previously managed by Xanterra.
“It was just a more lucrative offer that they made,” Henahan said.
Diversapack of Monroe fills liquids of personal and home-care products, such as soap, body wash and lotion, said Kevin Chesar, Monroe director of development.
The facility at 801 N. Garver Road was once called Precision Packaging, he said.
The plans to close are due to the loss of one major customer, he said.
“It’s been our understanding it really is a matter of the economy,” Chesar said.
Diversapack officials couldn’t be reached Monday or Tuesday.
Contact this reporter at (513) 705-2551 or clevingston@coxohio.com.
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