The owner of the company behind chalky, colorful confections such as Necco Wafers and Sweethearts has unexpectedly shut down operations at its Massachusetts plant and hasn't said if candy production will resume.
The Boston Globe reports Round Hill Investments LLC announced Tuesday it is selling Necco brands to another manufacturer and closing down its Revere plant.
"I mean, those Valentine's Day hearts are definitely a part of my childhood," said Alexis Werner of Salem who was surprised to hear of the closing. "That's pretty much the only candy I liked."
The company had recently purchased Necco for $17.3 million at a bankruptcy auction in May. The plant had been expected to stay open until November.
Round Hill did not identify Necco's new owner. The closure came as a shock to the close to 230 workers at the plant who say they were told to pick up their final paychecks Friday.
"I'm kind of worried about them. They all have families and everything to take care of so I hope they get a job quickly," said Theresa Lemay of Revere.
Necco, or New England Confectionery Co., is the country's oldest continuously operating candy company.
The also make Mary Jane and Squirrel Nut Zippers candy.
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Revere Mayor Brian Arrigo issued a statement about the news, saying and part, "We received no word about the situation from any representative of the involved parties. Obviously, we would have preferred, at the very least, some fundamental notification."
NBC10 Boston reached out to the company for comment but so far have not heard back.
