Baker and Taylor Unexpectedly Shuts Down in Momence, Illinois: Hundreds Left Jobless

MOMENCE, Ill. (WLS) — Just months after losing one of its largest employers, Momence is reeling again. This time it’s after the sudden closure of a major book distribution center.

It happened without any warning.

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Baker and Taylor, a company that distributes books from publishers to schools and libraries, has closed.

It’s been a fixture in the Kankakee County town for 60 years.

Employees found out Monday from a sign posted on the front door.

“All I did was cry,” Anne Carbonaro said.

Carbonaro worked for nine years at Baker and Taylor, and is one of more than 300 people who are now without jobs.

“People are living paycheck to paycheck. So, you’re just going to close the door on us? Who does that?” Carbonaro said.

A deal to sell Baker and Taylor to another book distribution company fell through last week.

Employees of Baker and Taylor say they’re not getting severance pay, and have filed a complaint with the Labor Department against the owner and CEO.

“I want him to face us. Stop being a coward. Face us. Let us know what’s going on,” former employee Steve Steininger said.

The company’s owner and CEO did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

“I’ve attempted several times to contact the CEO and owner. I’ve reached out to the plant manager. I’ve gotten nowhere with any of them,” Momence Mayor Charles Steele said.

Steele is a lifelong resident of Momence.

He says the past couple of years have been tough on the small town.

Earlier this summer, the Johnsonville plant closed.

Before that, there were job losses when a chocolate factory burned down and a filter plant closed.

“It’s about 800 jobs total. For a community this size, that’s just devastating,” Steele said. “The local economy is driven by the people who travel in and out of town every day to come to work. That’s where we will notice the biggest impact.”

But the mayor is hopeful new companies will move in to these locations and re-employ people who’ve lost their jobs.