Garner Industries Announces Layoffs After Tornado Levels Plant

Garner Industries, which manufactures BinMaster products, is laying off more than 60 employees after April's tornado outbreak caused widespread damage to the facility.

There were 70 workers inside the building at the time of the tornado, yet there were no injuries.

Scott McLain, CEO and president of Garner Industries, said on Monday that 62 employees were being laid off due to the April 26 tornado that hit the plant, reported local news NOW TV.

“We’ve worked hard to find a path to move forward,” McLain said in a statement. “These layoffs are necessary for us to stay in business. This is an extremely difficult situation. These people are like family.”

Lincoln, NE-based Garner Industries said it is providing compensation and health benefits to the employees impacted by the layoffs.

The EF3 tornado destroyed the entire 115,000-square-foot facility, including production, engineering, warehousing, inventory and office space. All machine tool, molding and automation equipment was destroyed.

At this time, Garner is working to relocate its BinMaster product line to an alternate location in Lincoln, NOW news reported. BinMaster is a leading sensor and software company that provides level controls for measuring bulk solids and liquids in silos, tanks, and bins.

Approximately 70 employees will continue to be employed by the BinMaster operation.