Crown Linen’s processing plant in Audrain County to close next week

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Crown Linen will close its processing plant in Mexico, Missouri, on Friday, April 25, according to a press release from the company.

The company has been at the facility since 1904. The release says that a fire that destroyed two buildings last May and a decision was made to transition from a full processing center to a depot after looking at bids to rebuild.

The release says 50 employees work at the Mexico plant and that sales, service, administration and distribution operations will stay in Mexico. A total of 31 jobs will be impacted. All other operations will be moved to Crown’s location in Columbia, Illinois, the release says. The release says customers will not experience any changes to their service or product.

The release says that costs were high to maintain and rebuild the old buildings, “which no longer meet the operational efficiency or safety standards required for a commercial laundry service in today's market.”

“This decision was not an easy one. We explored multiple options and sought assistance from local and state resources to facilitate the rebuilding and continued operation of our historic location. While we are disappointed to end our 134-year tradition in Mexico, we are grateful that Crown Linen will continue to serve as a premier commercial laundry service in the region,” owner Tim Williams said in the release.

The release says that impacted employees “will receive retention offers based on seniority, and all employee benefits will remain in place until at least May 31, 2025.”