Kentucky candle factory destroyed by tornado to remain closed

A Kentucky candle factory that was destroyed by a tornado in December won't reopen, and will be offering transfers to workers who have lost their jobs as a result.

Mayfield Consumer Products sent a notice to the Kentucky's Office of Employer and Apprenticeship Services that the plant will not be rebuilt.

"MCP has determined that because of the recent devastating tornado that destroyed the factory it can no longer continue to operate," Plant Manager Michael Stanten wrote.

The closure will affect 501 people, and Stanten said many employees will be offered transfers to a near-by plant in Hickory Point, but some will have to be laid off.

Bob Ferguson, Mayfield Consumer Products spokesman, told The Courier Journal that those who have been laid off will be offered a job.

"The company is absolutely committed to standing up new manufacturing facilities in Mayfield, doing it as promptly as it can," Ferguson said, noting the company is still reaching out to those who got termination notices.

"We hope they all come back," Ferguson added.

Eight people were killed at the candle factory during the tornado that occurred last month. Survivors have brought a lawsuit against the company alleging that it demonstrated "flagrant indifference" during the weather event.

They stated that Mayfield violated occupational safety and health workplace standards by not allowing the workers to leave before the storm hit.