Soda ash maker cuts 350 Wyoming jobs

WE Soda is a major natural soda ash producer that recently expanded its operations in Wyoming.

On Wednesday, the company announced it will cut 350 jobs in Sweetwater County. This move reduces the local workforce from more than 850 to approximately 500 employees.

The decision marks a strategic shift from dry-ore underground mining to solution mining. This method involves dissolving soda ash in place rather than extracting it from mines.

WE Soda became the world's largest natural soda ash producer in 2025. It achieved this status by purchasing Genesis Alkali's Westvaco and Granger operations for $1.4 billion.

CEO Alasdair Warren told Cowboy State Daily in September that low-cost Chinese production has disrupted export markets. China builds cheap new capacity by dissolving soda ash underground, skipping the need for traditional mining infrastructure.

Warren stated that every export ton from Wyoming now loses money due to low global pricing. He noted that China previously focused on domestic consumption but now exports heavily.

The United Steelworkers union represents the affected workers. Local 13214 President Marshal Cummings met with company representatives at 7 a.m. on Wednesday. This meeting occurred 90 minutes before the public announcement.

Cummings described the news as a devastating blow. He said the union learned of the shift with little clarity and many open questions.

Cummings expressed concern for workers still on shift when the news broke. He emphasized the need for safety during this high-intensity labor period.

The union plans to negotiate severance packages with the company. Cummings stated that members are the top priority in these upcoming discussions.

He criticized the company for not exploring legislative routes in Washington, D.C. first. He argued that national Steelworkers influence could have helped protect jobs across the industry.

Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon and Governor-elect Eric Barlow issued a joint statement on Wednesday. They called the reduction in miners terrible news for a cornerstone industry in Sweetwater County's economy. They said they are working to bring resources to address the impact on miners and their families. They added that officials are in discussions with the federal government and other stakeholders to strengthen Wyoming's competitiveness and protect national security. They noted that efforts are needed at state and federal levels to address the pressures from low-cost Chinese operations. WE Soda said the workforce reductions will begin in the first quarter of 2027. The cuts will continue in stages through 2028. The company expects 2027 to be a year of transition with lower volumes and one-time restructuring costs. It plans to share more details when it reports third quarter results at the end of the month. Director of Government Affairs Craig Rood said the company cannot yet say how many workers will be offered reassignment. The company will work with the union to offer other roles within the business wherever possible.