Less than a month after announcing its acquisition by an Indianapolis-based company, the Northwest Side business most famous for producing the Academy Award Oscar statuettes is laying off nearly 100 employees.
According to a report filed with the state Dept. of Commerce & Economic Opportunity, R.S. Owens will be laying off 95 workers on Dec. 17.
That's also the date the acquisition of the 74-year-old company by St. Regis Crystal goes into effect. The DCEO report said the layoffs would be permanent.
A company representative was not immediately available for comment Wednesday afternoon.
When the acquisition was announced in November, the companies said they would continue to manufacture Owens' products at its Chicago location.
Besides the Oscars, Owens — which called itself "the largest manufacturer of premier awards in the world" — has produced awards for the Emmys, American Idol, the Cotton Bowl, Pepsi 500 race, and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
"We take pride in our skilled union artisans and our commitment to American-made products," the company states on its website.
The DCEO report did not state if the layoffs were union positions, and said the cause of the layoffs was not provided by the company.
In November, when the firms announced the acquisition, the firms said decorating and fulfillment of catalog items will be done out of the St Regis' headquarters in Indianapolis. Plans also include introducing the R.S Owens line into Canada, through the St. Regis facility in Toronto.
Thursday, May 16 2013 9:49 PM EDT2013-05-17 01:49:53 GMT
Mayor Emanuel will celebrate two years in office by unveiling "Elevate Chicago" on Thursday, a series of construction projects to improve Navy Pier and McCormick Place.
Mayor Emanuel will celebrate two years in office by unveiling "Elevate Chicago" on Thursday, a series of construction projects to improve Navy Pier and McCormick Place.
Sunday, May 19 2013 11:50 AM EDT2013-05-19 15:50:06 GMT
One number in Saturday night's Powerball drawing was the difference for a dozen Illinois players between being $10,000 richer and living the life of a multi-millionaire - whose ticket was purchased in Florida.
One number in Saturday night's Powerball drawing was the difference for a dozen Illinois players between being $10,000 richer and living the life of a multi-millionaire - whose ticket was purchased in Florida.
Friday, May 17 2013 2:26 PM EDT2013-05-17 18:26:00 GMT
The Powerball jackpot has jumped again! An incredible $600 million is up for grabs, and officials expect it will increase even more before Saturday night's drawing.
.
The Powerball jackpot has jumped again! An incredible $600 million is up for grabs, and officials expect it will increase even more before Saturday night's drawing.
Chicago born designer Samantha Sleeper is making a triumphant return home this weekend, to showcase her latest collection in the Gold Coast at her very own pop-up shop.
Chicago born designer Samantha Sleeper is making a triumphant return home this weekend, to showcase her latest collection in the Gold Coast at her very own pop-up shop.
Thursday, May 16 2013 9:49 PM EDT2013-05-17 01:49:53 GMT
Mayor Emanuel will celebrate two years in office by unveiling "Elevate Chicago" on Thursday, a series of construction projects to improve Navy Pier and McCormick Place.
Mayor Emanuel will celebrate two years in office by unveiling "Elevate Chicago" on Thursday, a series of construction projects to improve Navy Pier and McCormick Place.
Thursday, May 16 2013 1:51 PM EDT2013-05-16 17:51:56 GMT
The Chicago Farmer's Market opened for business in Daley Plaza on Thursday, offering fresh fruit, vegetables, plants and flowers to anyone who stops by the downtown set-up.
The Chicago Farmer's Market opened for business in Daley Plaza on Thursday, offering fresh fruit, vegetables, plants and flowers to anyone who stops by the downtown set-up.
You can save thousands of dollars on your yard projects in just a couple of weekends, even if you haven't tried working on it before! FOX consumer reporter Steve Noviello shows you how.
You can save thousands of dollars on your yard projects in just a couple of weekends, even if you haven't tried working on it before! FOX consumer reporter Steve Noviello shows you how.
Former "Charlie's Angel" Jaclyn Smith is celebrating 28 years with Kmart by launching her new outdoor living line. She explained you can bring the comfort of the indoors outside by "shopping your way."
Former "Charlie's Angel" Jaclyn Smith is celebrating 28 years with Kmart by launching her new outdoor living line. She explained you can bring the comfort of the indoors outside by "shopping your way."
Wicker Park and Bucktown are hosting their very first Wed Local Expo at the Double Door. Couples can plan their weddings using local businesses. Chamber of Commerce president Stephanie Sack explains.
Wicker Park and Bucktown are hosting their very first Wed Local Expo at the Double Door. Couples can plan their weddings using local businesses. Chamber of Commerce president Stephanie Sack explains.
Sunday, May 19 2013 3:10 PM EDT2013-05-19 19:10:22 GMT
The derailment of an Amtrak City of New Orleans train on the Near South Side Sunday morning led to delays and a couple cancellations for trains on Metra's Rock Island District line.
The derailment of an Amtrak City of New Orleans train on the Near South Side Sunday morning led to delays and a couple cancellations for trains on Metra's Rock Island District line.
Sunday, May 19 2013 2:56 PM EDT2013-05-19 18:56:43 GMT
One adult and 11 juveniles were arrested Saturday night after police responded to groups of teens running through traffic around North Michigan Avenue on the Gold Coast.
One adult and 11 juveniles were arrested Saturday night after police responded to groups of teens running through traffic around North Michigan Avenue on the Gold Coast.
Sunday, May 19 2013 12:32 PM EDT2013-05-19 16:32:45 GMT
A 23-year-old woman was killed and four others were critically injured when two cars crashed into a building in the Far South Side Washington Heights neighborhood early Sunday.
A 23-year-old woman was killed and four others were critically injured when two cars crashed into a building in the Far South Side Washington Heights neighborhood early Sunday.
Sunday, May 19 2013 11:50 AM EDT2013-05-19 15:50:06 GMT
One number in Saturday night's Powerball drawing was the difference for a dozen Illinois players between being $10,000 richer and living the life of a multi-millionaire - whose ticket was purchased in Florida.
One number in Saturday night's Powerball drawing was the difference for a dozen Illinois players between being $10,000 richer and living the life of a multi-millionaire - whose ticket was purchased in Florida.
Sunday, May 19 2013 10:52 AM EDT2013-05-19 14:52:09 GMT
Four people have been killed and at least 15 other people wounded -- including a 12-year-old boy left in critical condition -- in shootings around the city since Friday night.
Four people have been killed and at least 15 other people wounded -- including a 12-year-old boy left in critical condition -- in shootings around the city since Friday night.
