CIRCLEVILLE, Ohio — Firefighters were called to the Sofidel plant in Circleville on Wednesday after motorists reported flames visible from the roof of the Italian toilet paper manufacturing facility. Emergency crews arrived and extinguished the blaze.
Officials have yet to determine the cause of the fire, marking the latest in a series of incidents at the plant. Just one week prior, fire crews responded to another fire at the same location.
This is not the first time Sofidel has been in the headlines. Over the past year, the plant has faced scrutiny for a slew of issues, including multiple fires, OSHA violations, and accusations of union-busting tactics.
A Troubled Past
The Scioto Valley Guardian began investigating Sofidel in July 2023 after receiving reports from employees alleging unsafe working conditions and a pattern of labor conflicts. Workers claimed management routinely ignored safety concerns, leading to an uptick in complaints.
Unionization efforts have been a particular flashpoint at the facility. Employees have alleged threats and retaliation from management for attempting to organize for better working conditions. “These employees have a right to organize for safer working conditions without being bullied, harassed, threatened, and fired,” said one worker who spoke anonymously for fear of retaliation.
Photographs provided to the Guardian show anti-union posters displayed throughout the plant, with messages discouraging employees from seeking representation. A leaked company memo further outlined Sofidel’s opposition to unions, claiming they “cannot guarantee a single thing.”
Safety Concerns and OSHA Violations
The plant has also drawn attention from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). In 2019, an employee suffered a severe hand injury while clearing a paper jam, resulting in hospitalization. More recently, in November 2022, Sofidel was fined over $77,000 for serious safety violations.
Despite these penalties, workers allege that the plant has not made significant improvements. Complaints filed with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) highlight ongoing tensions, including allegations that management threatened disciplinary action against employees supporting union efforts.
Broader Allegations
The workplace controversies extend beyond safety and labor disputes. A former employee claimed they faced discrimination due to their sexual orientation, alleging hostility from supervisors and human resources before ultimately being terminated.
Ongoing Investigation
The Circleville Sofidel plant remains under scrutiny as the Guardian continues to investigate its operations. With fires, safety violations, and labor disputes mounting, the company faces growing pressure to address these concerns.
For now, the facility operates under a cloud of controversy, and employees continue to come forward with troubling accounts of their experiences.