MANSFIELD, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—The Schwebel Baking Company, a beloved fixture in Youngstown, has announced its decision to liquidate after 120 years of service. This move marks the end of an era for a brand renowned for its high-quality bread, buns, and other bakery products.
The Schwebel Baking Company dates back to 1906 in Campbell, Ohio. The specific facility serving the Mansfield area—located on Stumbo Road in Ontario, has been a major sales and distribution hub.
In a press release, the company revealed that the closure will affect its bakeries in Youngstown and Hebron, along with retail stores and distribution centers throughout the tri-state region. Operations will continue until the weekend of July 4, with a gradual winding down throughout the summer.
The decision to cease operations comes after years of significant operational and financial challenges. These difficulties have been attributed to aging manufacturing facilities, rising labor costs, pension obligations, and shifting consumer trends.
Steve Cooper, the Chief Executive Officer of Schwebel Baking Company and a veteran in the baking industry, expressed his disappointment in the announcement. “The Schwebel’s brand has been known for the highest quality of bread, buns, and other bakery products for over 100 years, and we are devastated to reach the point where liquidation is the only remaining option,” he stated. “We’ve worked with our advisors for several months to identify a buyer or investment source, but despite significant efforts to adapt to changing market conditions and secure additional investment, we were unable to establish a sustainable path forward.”
Cooper also took the opportunity to thank the employees, customers, business partners, and communities that have supported Schwebel Baking Company throughout its storied history.