Some employees at Sun and Skin Care Research, LLC say they’re being laid off. And word, is the company is moving manufacturing.
Gary DeAngelo, the founder of Ocean Potion and member of the company’s board of directors, confirmed layoff notices were handed out this week at their manufacturing facility in Cocoa.
DeAngelo sold two-thirds of the business three years ago.
Now Sun and Skin Care Research is in charge.
They’re the current makers of Ocean Potion, No Ad and Bull Frog sunscreens, sold around the world.
DeAngelo says roughly 130 people are out of a job, although some have been given contracts to extend their work for a few months.
Danny Beard was the director of consumer events. He says he was told earlier this week that he was being let go.
“These people are family. We don’t just work together, we take pride in our product, we take ownership of our product and it’s made right here in Cocoa,” said Beard. “So it’s sad to see this team, this family split up after so many years.”
Since 1994, millions of bottles of sunscreen have been made in Cocoa.
The company also sponsors several community events, including the National Kidney Foundation Rich Salick Pro/Am Surf Festival.
Sun and Skin Care Research’s CEO said that he couldn’t comment due to a non-disclosure agreement.
He says he will be able to share more details this upcoming week.
Gary DeAngelo said the company is being sold to a Canadian business, and manufacturing that was done in Cocoa will be moved to Georgia.
DeAngelo and some employees are hoping to start another sun-care business to help stop layoffs.
They’re meeting with the local economic development council on Tuesday.