First Quality to shut down Hygienic division at McElhattan; 150 employees offered transfers

GREAT NECK, NY – First Quality Enterprises, Inc. will be closing its Hygienic division at its McElhattan facility this summer. That report on Wednesday was confirmed by Mike Flanagan, Clinton County Economic Partnership President. Some 150 employees will be affected, although it is understood all will be offered a position elsewhere on the McElhattan campus or First Quality’s Lock Haven/Castanea operation.

Affected employees were informed of the division shutdown Wednesday morning before word was made public. There was no word on what First Quality may do with the building housing the hygienic division; late summer was reported the anticipated shutdown date.

The company later issued this brief announcement from corporate headquarters on Long Island:

“First Quality remains committed to the feminine care category. The company will continue to provide innovative sanitary pads and liners alongside its adult incontinence products, baby diapers, training and youth pants, and wipes.”

CCEP President Flanagan released this statement:
“First Quality told us that this was a tough decision to cease manufacturing at Hygienic, which was the second business started by the Damaghi family following First Quality Products and the adult diaper line,” said Clinton County Economic Partnership President Mike Flanagan. “The good news is that First Quality will offer all of the approximately 150 Hygienic employees a position at other First Quality operations in McElhattan and Lock Haven/Castanea Township. And the other good news is that First Quality remains committed to its other local business operations and that means great news for the Clinton County community. First Quality has been an important part of our area for some 30 years, and we look forward to the next 30.”