The Blue Bell Creameries in Brenham has decided to lay off some workers and put others on paid furlough. Recently, a Listeria bacteria outbreak led to tough times for the company, as a result of which a complete cleaning and re-designing of its production plant was done.

Over 250 workers have been laid off permanently and 250 remain on paid furlough. They could be called back once the plant starts the production again. Spokesperson Joe Robertson said the company has a hotline, which potential employers may use if they have open positions.

Robertson said they have had a great response in relation to employment opportunities for their people and they are working to organize and connect their people with such opportunities. Over 30 emails and 40 messages have been received on the jobs hotline till Monday.

The Texas Department of Health has come up with the steps that Blue Bell will have to take prior to resuming the production of ice cream. Two weeks of trial runs, which will be examined by the department and testing of the products come under these steps. The Health Department is checking the steps taken by the company to resume production in a harmonized effort with the Food and Drug Administration.

According to State Sen. Lois Kolkhorst, R-Brenham, “My heart goes out to everyone touched by today’s layoffs and furloughs at Blue Bell Creameries. The people that brought us Blue Bell are as tough as Texas. They’re known not only for making the nation’s most popular ice cream, but also for their hard work and dedication”.

He added that therefore he thinks the Texas company will recover from this slowdown.