Schwebel Baking Company closing after 120 years

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) - Historic Schwebel Baking Company announced Wednesday that it will begin winding down operations and expects to initiate a liquidation of its business, according to a press release from the company. The company said they intend to continue operating through the Fourth of July weekend.

Schwebel’s, which produces branded and private-label fresh bakery products, including bread, buns, and rolls for retail, grocery, food service, and institutional customers across Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York.

The wind-down will include the company’s bakeries in Youngstown and Hebron, Ohio, and its retail stores and distribution centers across the tri-state area.

Schwebel’s said it has faced significant operational and financial constraints for many years, and these challenges include aging manufacturing facilities and equipment, costly labor contracts and pension obligations, and consumer trends depressing demand for traditional bakery and bread products.

According to Schwebel’s, they made comprehensive efforts to explore all financing and strategic alternatives, including the sale of its business and operations,

“The Schwebel’s brand has been known for the highest quality of bread, buns and other bakery products for over 100 years, and we are devastated to reach the point where liquidation is the only remaining option,” said Steve Cooper, veteran bakery professional and Chief Executive Officer of Schwebel Baking Company. “We’ve worked with our advisors for several months to identify a buyer or investment source, despite significant efforts to adapt to changing market conditions and secure additional investment, the company was unable to establish a sustainable path forward.”