Mosaic to layoff nearly 200 workers as it idles South Fort Meade operations

Chemical giant Mosaic is idling its South Fort Meade fertilizer plant on Dec. 8, laying off roughly 199 workers due to a global sulfur supply crunch, according to state filings.Mosaic Polk County idlingAccording to the document, Mosaic made the decision to pause operations at its South Fort Meade facility due to ongoing supply chain challenges and extraordinary costs surrounding sulfur, an essential component in producing phosphate fertilizer. The company claims previously curtailed production across global operations, but persistent market constraints forced the long-term idle. A total of 199 employees will reportedly be impacted by the reduction, which qualifies as a mass layoff under federal WARN Act regulations. Affected workers received 60 days' advance notice, with employment separations scheduled for Dec. 8. A core group of employees will stay behind to handle care, maintenance, safety and environmental compliance until conditions permit a restart, according to the filing.Florid