WINONA, Minn. — Composites manufacturer Solvay cut 38 Winona employees, roughly one-quarter of 150 Winona employees. Laid off were 32 hourly and six salaried employees, said Dana Ponciroli, the Belgium-based company’s North American spokesperson. Ponciroli blamed diminishing customer demand because of the coronavirus crisis. Solvay’s global headcount has been reduced by 570 positions, around 20 percent, he said. Solvay makes lightweight carbon fiber and adhesive materials in Winona for aerospace and automotive markets. The Winona operation, at 501 W. Third Street, dates to 1948. The company was later acquired by New Jersey-based Cytec. Solvay acquired Cytec in 2015. Winona workers are represented by Teamsters Local 120. Ponciroli said financial assistance would be available for employees facing COVID-19 hardship.
