Shop-Vac, the iconic brand for do-it-yourselfers around the country, has closed its business after a last-ditch effort to sell the company fell through, NorthEastPA.com reports.
The company employed 400 people in Williamsport, Pennsylvania and 1,700 worldwide. The employees based in the United States were issued termination papers last week. A few administrative personnel were retained through the end of last week.
Founded 51 years ago, Shop-Vac became synonymous with wet-dry vacuums used in home shops and businesses. They also produced motors, fans, blowers and other cleaning supplies. Business dropped off due to increasing competition and the company’s financial situation worsened due to the coronavirus pandemic.