October 6th, 2021 by WCBC Radio
Blind Industries and Services of Maryland (BISM) Tuesday announced that it will be closing its textile sewing and manufacturing plant located in Cumberland, Maryland, effective October 29, 2021. BISM President Frederick Puente said the decision to close the Cumberland plant came after a careful and strategic review of the crippling reduction of textile contracts available from BISM's federal government customers. Puente said some of the factors for the plant closing included changes in workforce and demographics in the Cumberland area and persistent decrease in the number of blind workers available for employment in the area. The decision to close the plant will affect approximately 46 salaried and hourly employees. Cumberland Mayor Ray Morriss, speaking prior to Tuesday’s city council meeting, said the city was caught off guard by the announcement…
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