Sauer Brands Inc. announced Monday it is placing a portion of its workforce on temporary furlough as a result of a sharp industry wide decline in demand for food products from restaurants and other food service customers hard hit by the COVID-19 crisis.
It affects 131 employees nationwide, including 97 in Mauldin and 34 in New Century, Kansas, company officials say.
According to the company, employees in both locations make a variety of products, including iconic Southern staple Duke's Mayonnaise, for sale to retail and food service customers that rely on Sauer Brands for quality condiments, spices, seasonings and extracts.
Affected employees were notified Monday and will be paid through April 17 to give them time to file for unemployment benefits, company officials say.