After 30 years of business, Joplin-based Sitton Motor Lines is closing, according to Richard Sitton, president and CEO of the company.
Nearly 50 administrative and service employees in Joplin, as well as a number of truck drivers both locally and throughout the country, will likely be laid off with the closing. Other employees at other facilities throughout the country could also be laid off, with as many as 250 employees all-told throughout the country being displaced with the closing.
Sitton said in a phone interview that he was still working out the details of the closing and couldn't comment beyond confirming the closing.
"It's going to be an orderly liquidation," Sitton said.
According to Jason Jones with the Workforce Investment Board, any lay-off of more than 50 employees triggers Missouri's Rapid Response program in conjunction with the Division of Workforce Development, and that the WIB is already in communication with Sitton and will likely begin offering services to the displaced workers as soon as possible.
Leslie Abram, who oversees the Rapid Response program for WIB, said she isn't sure yet how many employees might need help through this process.
"At this point we don't know because there are drivers all over the country," Abram said. "Typically in instances like this we'll talk to them about unemployment insurance and other training programs."
Sitton Motor Lines was started in 1979 by David L. Sitton and his two sons, Richard and Michael Sitton. The company started by serving 13 states with five owner-operator tractors and 50 trailers. Recent revenue reports show a current estimated annual revenue of nearly $100 million. The company has worked as a privately-held corporation and operates as an irregular route common and contract carrier, providing truckload transportation service throughout the U.S. David Sitton passed away in 1994, and Richard Sitton was named president and CEO of the company. His son, Chad Sitton, was named vice president in October 2008 after serving as branch manager of the company's Durant, Okla., facility.[[In-content Ad]]
