Camarillo : Clairol Decides Not to Close Facility

In a reversal of an earlier decision to close the Camarillo branch of the Clairol Corp., a spokeswoman said Thursday that the facility will continue manufacturing hair care products and retain all 70 employees.

Clairol officials announced last year that they would close the Flynn Road plant in July and consolidate operations with a Clairol plant in Stamford, Conn.

“We re-examined our business and we do need production capabilities in Camarillo,” said spokeswoman Connie Kain.

Kain said employees who have already accepted jobs elsewhere may end up leaving the company, but they will be replaced. They have the option, however, of staying at Clairol, she said.

Clairol, which makes hair color, shampoo, conditioner, gel and hair spray in Camarillo, was one of three manufacturers that within the past four months announced plans to leave the city.

Officials of 3M Photodyne Products said last November that they would close the Camarillo plant by June 30, laying off or transferring 50 employees to Austin, Tex.

And Everest & Jennings International Ltd., a wheelchair manufacturer, announced last month its plans to lay off more than 450 employees when it relocates its corporate headquarters and production operation to St. Louis this summer.

William Little, Camarillo city manager, said he welcomed news that Clairol would continue operating in the city.