Master Chemical shuts down

WILKES-BARRE – After nearly 80 years in business, Master Chemical Products Friday told employees there was no need to return after they left work.

They just closed the doors today, Phil Rossi, 55, said Friday evening. The Clarks Summit resident had been a salesman for 15 years, he added.

Rossi said his former boss Joe Mitchneck made the announcement to approximately 25 employees at 3:30 p.m., but it did not come as a surprise.

I knew it was going to happen sooner or later. Things have been bad over the last six months, Rossi said.

The janitorial supply company was founded in the late 1930s, according to its website.

Efforts to reach Mitchneck, who is listed in corporate filings as president and vice president of Master Chemical Products, and Treasurer Walter Volinski were unsuccessful.