I am far more inclined to lay blame on the owners of the company for not letting the city of Emporia know what was going on so that the city could woo another company in to keep itself going. The city ought to hold the company owners accountable. At least the workers are getting two mons severence.
Emporia is a nice area, close to KC, Tulsa, Joplin. Tons of rail, hwy and close by barge commerce.
I also find it hard to believe that the employee didnot see any of this coming. Usually, if you keep your eyes open and mouth shut you know if things are or arn't happening.
Maybe they were just too much in denial.