The manufacturing operations at Northern Lights in Wellsville will relocate to Bradford, Pa by the end of May. The current operations on Andover Road in Wellsville will remain home to portions of the management and some shipping operations. In a required Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) notification, the company (now owned by Zippo in Bradford, Pa) stated "Northern Lights Enterprises, Inc. dba Northern Lights Candles, is regrettably sending this letter to notify you about an upcoming employment reduction. The Company...has determined that it is necessary to permanently discontinue...employment in 90 days...with the last day of employment May 27, 2025."
Allegany County Legislative Chair Brooke Harris, R-Alfred, called it a "gut punch." Chairman Harris confirmed to WRN that the county received the WARN notice Wednesday. During an interview, Harris said he was surprised and disappointed. He said the loss of jobs will be a "hit" for the county. He also noted that the county has experienced similar pain and has recovered.
Top administrative jobs and some shipping duties will continue at the Andover Road, Wellsville location.
In January 2019, Zippo issued this statement: Zippo Manufacturing Company has announced that it has reached a definitive agreement to acquire substantially all of the assets of Northern Lights Enterprises, Inc. Northern Lights, founded in Wellsville, NY in 1978, has grown to become a leading designer of luxury candles and artisan-made accessories across the United States.
For Zippo, the acquisition adds a diversified product line, new distribution channels, critical know-how and expertise in a fast-growing, on-trend category to the Zippo family of brands.
According to a press release issued in January 2019: “The Northern Lights team is extremely excited to be joining Zippo Manufacturing Company,” said Northern Lights founders Andy & Tina Glanzman. “Northern Lights is a fantastic business with committed and passionate employees, a great company culture and history, and enormous domestic and international potential. Being part of the Zippo family will enable us to take the business to the next level and grow farther and faster.”
The Glanzmans continued, “We would like to send out a huge thank you to our customers and to everyone on the Northern Lights team who have helped us build this wonderful business and brand. We look forward to the next exciting chapter in Northern Lights’ vision to bring creatively designed, socially responsible products to market that will inspire consumers on a daily basis. We’re looking forward to brightening the world together.”
Town Supervisor Shad Alsworth was unavailable for comment.
