Merial Select Closing Berlin Facility - WMDT 47 News - Delmarva's Choice

BERLIN, Md. - After nearly 30 years in Berlin, Merial Select is closing its doors here on The Shore, taking the company's 45 local jobs along with it.

The Berlin facility, which focuses on making vaccines for birds, namely the poultry industry -- won't officially close until the middle of 20-14.  As for why the plant is closing, in a statement, Merial says "this strategic decision is being taken to reduce the manufacturing site network complexity and utilize the capabilities of the existing plants more efficiently."

Despite this company's closing, Mayor Gee Williams is optimistic about the future of berlin and is looking forward to bringing more business to the north side of town.

Williams says, "interestingly enough, we're in the process that will be done within the month that will be extending sewer and water up north Main Street to just south of where Merial select is located."

In the few years Mayor Williams has been in office, he say's he's seen a boost in the economy, going from 30 to 60 businesses downtown, and he doesn't plan on stopping there.

As for Merial's soon-to-be jobless employees, the company says they're welcome to apply for positions at their locations in other states.  Since the Merial facility isn't expected to close for almost two years, no plans have been made for the land where the business currently stands.