Workers in Toledo, Napoleon among those losing jobs with shutdown of Yelloh

Yelloh, formerly known as Schwan’s, has announced it is ceasing operations in November, idling more than 1,000 people nationwide, including nearly 100 workers in Ohio.

According to a letter filed with the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, 13 workers at the Toledo facility at 322 Arco Dr. and eight employees at the Napoleon facility at 635 Independence Dr., are being laid off due to the pending shutdown, as are employees at eight other locations across the Buckeye State.

Founded in 1952, the Minnesota-based company known for its iconic yellow refrigeration trucks helped pioneer the the food home-delivery market, delivering frozen meals, foods, treats, and ice cream to homes across the country.

When making the announcement Monday, the company cited “multiple insurmountable business challenges” for the decision, including economic and market forces, as well as changing consumer lifestyles.

“The current Yelloh team has worked hard against external headwinds such as the nationwide staffing challenges and crushing food supply chain disruption caused by the pandemic,” according to Yelloh board member Michael Ziebell, who was a 22-year veteran of the company before returning recently as a board member.

“These challenges, combined with changing consumer lifestyles and competitive pressures that have been building for over 20 years, made success very difficult. Digital shopping has replaced the personal, at-the-door customer interaction that was the hallmark of the company,” he said.

Yelloh will wind down operations over the next two months, taking care of employees with notice and pay in accordance with the WARN Act, officials said. The last day products may be purchased via Yelloh trucks will be Nov. 8.

“Our concern is now for our employees and caring for them as we all come to terms with the fact that this business — that served millions of families and provided a livelihood for thousands over the decades — has regrettably run its life cycle,” Mr. Ziebell said.