Superior, Wisconsin – Tuesday — Midwest Energy Resources Company (MERC) will permanently close its facility at 2400 Winter Street in Superior, eliminating 54 jobs, according to a WARN notice filed with the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development.
The March 3 letter states the closure will result in the permanent elimination of all 54 positions at the site. Fifty-one employees are expected to separate from employment on June 30, 2026. Three additional employees will remain temporarily for two to four weeks to wind down operations, with final separations anticipated within 14 days of July 31, 2026.
Some affected workers are represented by the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) Local 1000. Union leadership has been notified, the company said.
The notice was sent to state workforce officials, Superior Mayor Jim Paine, and the Douglas County Board of Supervisors in compliance with state and federal Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) laws, which require advance notice of significant layoffs or facility closures.
Company President Jeff Papineau signed the letter and listed contact information for further inquiries.
The closure represents a significant employment shift for the Superior waterfront area, where MERC has operated as an energy transfer and logistics facility.
Local officials have not yet publicly commented on potential economic impacts or transition support for displaced workers.
