By John Dobberstein, Editor
The Broken Arrow Economic Development Corp. said Monday in a statement that it will be working to assist Baker Hughes employees who may be displaced by the facility’s closing.
The oil and gas product and service provider announced recently that it plans to close its Broken Arrow facility, which currently employs 170 people. Baker Hughes provides oil field products and services, engaging in surface logging, drilling, pipeline operations, petroleum engineering and fertilizer solutions as well as gas turbines, valves, actuators, pumps, flow meters, generators, and motors.
Baker Hughes has been a strong supporter and partner of BAEDC, the Broken Arrow Chamber of Commerce, the city of Broken Arrow and many educational institutions, said Jennifer Conway, president and CEO of the Broken Arrow Chamber and BAEDC. “We’re thankful for the investment Baker Hughes made in our community on every level. We’re very sad to see them go but understand the many difficult decisions companies face to adapt and respond to their customers,” Conway said.
“It’s very unfortunate, but with the strong growth of Broken Arrow’s other manufacturers, the employees of Baker Hughes, at all levels, will not have a challenge finding positions to continue their work. We already have had local employers reach out and ask to be connected with Baker Hughes as they have positions that need to be filled immediately.”
BAEDC is offering assistance to employees of Baker Hughes through the Work In BA Career & Workforce Center, located at the Broken Arrow Chamber of Commerce, which provides workforce intake, assessments, career counseling, and referrals.
The Career Center supports the citizens of Broken Arrow and displaced workers, connecting jobseekers with businesses in our community, both online and in person.
“Broken Arrow is extremely fortunate to be in a growth phase with so many manufacturers increasing their workforce”, said Amber Miller, director of talent attraction and workforce development at BAEDC. “We stand ready to assist all employees affected by the closure.”
Employees in need can visit www.workinba.com to connect with local and regional resources.
“We hate to see any business close or leave our city. Baker Hughes was a great community partner and we will certainly miss that relationship,” said Broken Arrow City Manager Michael Spurgeon. “We will now focus on helping those employees that will be affected to transition to other open positions within our city.”
Broken Arrow Mayor Debra Wimpee also echoed her disappointment with the news, calling Baker Hughes, “a great community partner. We will work to help the 170 employees find something through BAEDC’s Work In BA program.”
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