Shelton-based Edgewell Personal Care Co. plans to shut down its Schick manufacturing plant in Milford, eliminating 293 jobs over the next two years as the consumer-products company undertakes a sweeping restructuring and sells off one of its legacy business units.
In a notice filed with the Connecticut Department of Labor and Milford officials, Edgewell said the 10 Leighton Road facility will close permanently by Dec. 31, 2027, with the first round of layoffs expected between March 2 and March 16, 2026. Employees will receive at least 60 days’ notice, and the company said it will offer severance and outplacement assistance.
The closure affects workers across manufacturing and administrative roles. All separations are expected to be completed between Dec. 17 and Dec. 31, 2027.
The announcement comes as Edgewell—which owns brands such as Schick, Banana Boat and Bulldog—moves forward with a major portfolio overhaul following what executives described as a difficult fiscal year.
On Wednesday, the company said it agreed to sell its feminine-care business to Swedish hygiene products maker Essity AB for $340 million in cash, shedding the Playtex, Stayfree, Carefree and o.b. brands. The sale is expected to close in early 2026, pending regulatory approvals.
CEO Rod Little said the divestiture is part of a broader push to simplify operations, reduce exposure to lower-performing categories and reinvest in higher-growth segments like shaving, sun care and grooming.
Edgewell reported a fourth-quarter loss of $30.6 million, driven largely by a non-cash impairment charge tied to the feminine-care division. Adjusted earnings were 68 cents per share. Quarterly sales rose 4% to $537.2 million.
Executives said results were pressured by uneven consumer demand, inflationary cost increases—including tariffs—higher promotional spending and shrinking gross margins.
Edgewell told investors it plans to use proceeds from the sale to strengthen its balance sheet and fund core categories.
