Oscar statuette maker lays off 95 employees

St. Regis Crystal of Markham, Ont., is buying the firm

The Associated Press

Posted: Dec 7, 2012 2:19 PM ET

Last Updated: Dec 7, 2012 2:24 PM ET

The Chicago company that makes the familiar gold-plated Oscar statues is laying off almost 100 employees as it's bought by a Canadian firm. But some workers could be rehired.

The company that makes the Oscar statuette is laying off 95 people, ahead of a takeover by a Canadian company. (Jason DeCrow/Associated Press)

R.S. Owens & Co. Inc. said this week in a notice to the Illinois Department of Commerce that it will lay off 95 workers on Dec. 17, when it is purchased by St. Regis Crystal of Markham, Ont. The business-data website Hoovers says R.S. Owens has about 250 employees.

R.S. Owens President Scott Siegel said many employees have applied to work for the new company but he isn't sure how many will be hired.

Oscar and Emmy statues will still be made in Chicago.

R.S. Owens has been manufacturing Oscar statues for about 30 years.

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