Fasano, Kissel Statement on Hallmark Enfield Closure Connecticut Loses 570 Jobs

Hartford – State Senator John A. Kissel (R-Enfield) and Senate Minority Leader Len Fasano (R-North Haven) expressed serious concerns regarding Hallmark’s plans to consolidate operations to Missouri and close the Enfield, Connecticut Hallmark Distribution Center by the end of June 2016, resulting in 570 employees losing their jobs.

“The loss of 570 local jobs is heartbreaking,” said Senator Kissel. “This closure will send a tremor throughout our community that will be felt by many. My heart goes out to the families who will be impacted and the hundreds who will be unemployed as a result. Hallmark has been an integral part of our community for over 60 years. This is a huge loss for Enfield.”

“This is another sad, but not surprising, piece of news for Connecticut residents,” said Senator Fasano. “I’m sure Governor Malloy will be quick to jump to excuses for Hallmark’s departure, but the fact remains that there are no excuses for the governor’s failed policies. Unfortunately, this may be the beginning of a mass exodus of Connecticut jobs. Connecticut’s business environment cannot compete with other states. So when a company is deciding between two locations, it’s sadly not surprising that CT would lose that battle. When will this governor and the Democrat majority wake up and see reality?”

Hallmark began operating its East Coast distribution out of Enfield in 1952. The current 1 million square foot facility at 25 Bacon Road opened in 1980. A statement from Hallmark cited streamlining operations and substantial cost savings as the reason for their decision to close the Connecticut location.

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