Is Nepera closing?

HARRIMAN-Among the traffic lights and new superstores along Route 32 lies Nepera, a chemical company whose chimneys have been part of the landscape in Harriman for 63 years. That may be changing. Earlier this week, Nepera spokeswomen Iris Sandow told the Citizens Advisory Panel that although Nepera continues to sell products from their existing inventory, chemical production operations have been shut down while officials determine if and how to get the struggling company back on its feet. With oil prices rising and fierce competition overseas, Nepera has been forced to cut costs. Over the past several years, they've laid off more than half their employees, going from roughly 75 to 35 workers. Nepera officials said this week that more workers may be let go on Thursday but haven't said how many. Two months ago, Nepera ended production of their two best selling chemical products, including pyridine, a chemical used to make pharmaceuticals, anti-bacterial products, anti-dandruff shampoos, color film and pesticides. While public speculation of the plants permanent closure grows, Nepera officials continue to insist that no such plans have been made. But during a public hearing June 22 for the renewal of a special permit allowing the company to operate a tank farm and other equipment, Nepera auditor Dr. Gerald J. Lauer told the Woodbury Zoning Board of Appeals that company was "seriously exploring moving to India or China." There was a time when Nepera was the world's second larger producer of pyridine and a world-leading producer of vitamin B-3 (niacin). Locally, though, it was known for many years for its odor releases. For instance, in the fall of 1999, officials at Monroe-Woodbury High School twice sent students home after scores children and staff complained headache, rashes and nausea. The state Department of Environmental Conservation order the plant temporarily closed and the company paid a $65,200 fine. Communications between the company and the community have improved since then, especially through the work of the Community Awareness and Emergency Response (CAER) and the Monroe-Woodbury Community Advisory Panel (CAP), which meet regularly with company officials. At one time, Nepera paid $500,000 in local taxes and had an $8 million payroll.