GREAT BEND, Kan. – Following the announcement that Fuller Industries Inc. has sold its chemical business to Betco, community leaders and workforce support agencies across Great Bend and Barton County are mobilizing to support affected employees and their families. While the transition marks the end of chemical production at Fuller’s Great Bend facility, local organizations are prioritizing immediate career placement, financial aid, and counseling services for displaced workers.
If you or a family member have been affected by the Fuller Industries closure, several local and state programs are actively providing immediate support, employment guidance, and emergency relief:
Upcoming Laid Off Worker Info Session
- Date & Time: Friday, November 13, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
- Location: KANSASWORKS Great Bend, 1025 Main Street, Great Bend, KS 67530
- Details: Hosted by Kansas WorkforceONE and the Kansas Department of Labor, this drop-in information session will provide comprehensive details on unemployment benefits, job placement services, and workforce training. No pre-registration is required.
Resource Directory Quick-Reference
| Organization / Agency | Primary Contact | Web Resource / Location | Services Offered |
|---|---|---|---|
| KANSASWORKS – Great Bend | 620-793-5445 | 1025 Main Street, Great Bend, KS | Local job matching, résumé assistance, info session host |
| Rapid Response Team (KS Dept of Commerce) | Vera LaClair (785-762-8870) | kansascommerce.gov | Career counseling, vocational training, job transition aid |
| Central Kansas Partnership | Regional Directory | ckpartnership.org | Housing, utility, food, and emergency relief provisions |
| The Center for Counseling | Community Aid | thecentergb.org | Mental health services, personal support, guidance |
The transition follows Fuller Industries Inc.’s agreement to sell its chemical business to Betco, effective October 30, 2026. As part of the sale, production of Fuller’s chemical product lines will move to Betco’s manufacturing facility in Bowling Green, Ohio.
All Fuller Industries employees at the Great Bend facility have been offered the opportunity to apply for positions at Betco’s Bowling Green plant if they choose to relocate. “This was a difficult decision, and we know it affects our employees, their families and the Great Bend community, which has been home to Fuller for decades,” stated Craig Rudin, CEO of Fuller Industries. “We are grateful to our team for their hard work and dedication.” Fuller Industries will retain ownership of its facility at One Fuller Way in Great Bend. The property currently houses two tenants, with a third tenant set to occupy space in January 2027, ensuring the facility remains active and productive.
For further information on career assistance, local job opportunities, or community support, visit KANSASWORKS or contact the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce.
