House Republican Press Release

April 25, 2007

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Statement on Closing of Hershey Peter Paul Plant in Naugatuck

State Representative Kevin M. DelGobbo

I have received official notification from the Hershey Corporation of its intention to shut down operations at its Naugatuck Plant by the end of this year.

It is terrible news for our community but it is especially devastating for the approximately 206 Hershey employees and their families.

I already have had discussions with the Governor’s Office, Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Ron Angelo, Mayor Ron San Angelo and Naugatuck Economic Development Corporation CEO Dave Prendergast about providing whatever assistance we can to the employees and their families.

We also are looking into possible future uses for the property.

Both the Governor’s Office and the Department of Economic and Community Development are prepared to provide every resource possible to soften the impact of this loss on Hershey employees and the Borough of Naugatuck.

Hershey officials also have requested a meeting within the next few days to discuss our assistance efforts.

Unfortunately, the possibility the plant might close was not entirely unexpected.

Hershey announced a few months ago that a major reorganization of its global supply chain would lead to significant personnel reductions throughout the corporation as well as the closing of several plants in the United States and Canada.

Since that time, local and state officials have communicated frequently with Hershey officials and emphasized our willingness to provide whatever assistance they might need to maintain their operations in Naugatuck.

Now, we must do whatever we can to assist the employees and their families, help them find new employment, and find a new use for the site that will be in the best interests of our community.