FL Manufacturer Cutting Nearly 200 Jobs Amid Market Challenges

The Mosaic Company plans to lay off approximately 199 employees at its South Fort Meade facility in December.

The Tampa-based chemical company cited ongoing global sulfur supply constraints and challenging market conditions that have forced leadership to temporarily idle operations at its fertilizer production facility in South Florida.

In an Oct. 5 notice to the Florida Department of Commerce, Mosaic Vice President of Phosphate Operations for North America Ron Yasurek said the workforce reduction is expected to take effect Dec. 8, 2026.

Yasurek said the layoffs will constitute a mass layoff under the federal Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act, which generally requires covered employers to provide at least 60 days' advance notice of qualifying layoffs and plant closings.

Mosaic attributed the decision to difficulties obtaining sulfur, a critical ingredient in phosphate fertilizer production, along with rising costs and extraordinary market conditions.

"Mosaic is navigating ongoing challenges related to the availability and cost of sulfur, an essential input for phosphate fertilizer production, that significantly impact our global phosphate operations," the company said in its notice.

The company said it has spent several months reducing production across its global phosphate operations while exploring alternative supply arrangements and monitoring market conditions.

Despite those efforts, Mosaic said it made the difficult decision to idle its South Fort Meade operations, resulting in the elimination of nearly 200 jobs.

The company emphasized that the shutdown is expected to be temporary, although it acknowledged that operations could remain suspended for more than six months.

"Our goal has been and continues to be, restarting our South Fort Meade operations as soon as conditions allow us to do so safely, reliably and sustainably," the notice states.

Mosaic said some employees will remain at the facility to perform essential maintenance and safety duties while keeping the operation ready for a potential restart.

The company has not finalized which positions will be eliminated, saying its analysis of the workforce reduction remains ongoing.

Hourly employees at South Fort Meade are represented by the International Chemical Workers Union Council of the United Food and Commercial Workers Union, Local 814C.

According to the notice, affected union employees have already been informed through their representative.

The company's collective bargaining agreement also reportedly provides certain employees with bumping rights, potentially allowing them to move into other positions.

Mosaic said it intends to work with state officials and the surrounding community to assist affected workers during the transition.

"We recognize how difficult this news is for our employees and their families," the company said. "Please know that we are committed to supporting them through this transition, with the care and safety of our people and communities as our top priority."