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Blackhawk Automotive Plastics' 700 displaced workers are starting to find new jobs.

Former employee Tony Riley said the last of the employees left the Mason plant on April 23. There is a "for sale" sign out front and Riley said the new owners are moving equipment out of the plant.

Management at the Blackhawk plant in Salem, Ohio, and its new owner, Flex-N-Gate, did not return phone calls.

The Mason plant was scheduled to close about 45 days after the company was sold in bankruptcy proceedings on March 18 to the Illinois-based Flex-N-Gate. The company decided to keep the Salem plant open but shuttered the Mason location.

Riley got a new job and he said one of his buddies was offered a position at another Flex-N-Gate location.

Workforce One of Warren County Director Karen Whittamore said Blackhawk has been less than helpful in the relocation of employees.

"I'll be honest, the company has been less than forthcoming with information," Whittamore said. But other employers have stepped up to the plate.

Workforce One held a job fair shortly after the plant closing was announced and another this week. Around 15 employers showed up to both fairs and more than 100 workers attended each. Many have secured new jobs.

Whittamore said Blackhawk told her about three weeks ago that around 100 employees had gotten jobs.

After the job fairs, several Blackhawk employees have found new situations. Jim Cracraft, human resources manager for Franklin-based Ample Industries, a company that makes fast food containers, said while the plant closing was unfortunate, he has lucked out.

"We hired 10 out of the first batch, and we've gotten some very good people, they have a very good work ethic," he said. "And that's what we look for."

Some companies do well when the economy ebbs, and Cracraft said with people choosing fast food over sit-down establishments, he's looking for about 50 new workers over the next few months.

Workforce One will hold another job fair from noon to 3 p.m. May 12.

"We are going to find these people jobs," Whittamore said.

Contact this reporter at (513) 696-4525 or dcallahan@coxohio.com.

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