RUM producer J Wray & Nephew Limited (JWN) is now confirming that it will cease operating its Appleton Estates Sugar Factory in St Elizabeth but before that it will be offering a generous separation package to the 370 employees impacted.

Yesterday’s confirmation of the closure follows the start of consultations with all stakeholders. A date on the closure will be announced after further consultations with the union. The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, August 5, 2020, when the unions and their delegates will meet with JWN executives.

Speaking in an interview with the Jamaica Observer, JWN Chairman Clement “Jimmy” Lawrence disclosed that the management of Appleton will be divested to Frome Sugar Estate in Westmoreland, which is a third-party company with knowledge of the sugar operations. He added that Frome will re-employ a significant number of the 370 employees impacted.

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/j-wray-nephew-confirms-closure-of-appleton-sugar-factory-contracted-cane-farmers-get-multimillion-debt-write-off_199671?profile=1373