Hundreds of people are without a job after an Orange County-based beverage bottling company suddenly announced its closure.
Employees of Manna Beverages in Anaheim say they were blindsided when they were abruptly sent a text on Thursday notifying them of the shutdown. The workers were instructed to turn in their belongings on Monday.
“Most of my life’s been here. I know a lot of the people,” said Chad Simpson, who was one of many employees affected. “You’re not just losing a job, you’re losing a family.”
Simpson said he was a maintenance technician at the company, where he worked for 20 years. He said he first was given a text message him telling him not to go in for his next scheduled shift. About two hours later, he got a second message.
“Later on that night at about 12:33, they sent a notice of termination,” he said.
Sal Salcedo, who was a lead supervisor, was also impacted by the sudden layoff.
“I have a family, they have families. We have bills to pay,” Salcedo said. “A warning would have helped.”
In the notice of termination, the company blames “uncontrollable circumstances” are forcing Manna Beverages to cease all operations on Tuesday.
NBC4 has reached out to the company for comment.