Honeywell to close Smithfield plant, lay off workers

SMITHFIELD, R.I. (WJAR) — Honeywell will close its factory in Smithfield and lay off the site's entire workforce, according to a letter from the company to the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training.

The plant on Thurber Boulevard expanded production of N95 masks during the pandemic.

According to the letter, the layoffs are expected to begin on April 22 and be completed by Nov. 17.

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The letter includes a list of the roughly 122 positions being eliminated. Honeywell said the employees are not represented by a union.

Honeywell said in a statement to NBC 10 News that Eye & Face Protection lines will be moved to existing Honeywell sites.

"We realize this affects valued employees, which is why we will make extensive efforts to retain affected employees," the statement said. "Honeywell will offer severance and outplacement assistance to support eligible affected employees to help them pursue jobs within Honeywell or elsewhere. We appreciate the hard work and dedication employees have shown in their time at Honeywell."

The company in 2021 laid off about 500 workers who made N95 masks in Smithfield.

Then-President Trump praised the company for responding to the need for N95s, but demand eventually fell off.