Black Bear Bottling to close its business

Oak Creek’s Black Bear Bottling is closing its doors.   On July 19 the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development was notified of the 97 year old soft drink company’s intention to “close its business and permanently cease operation on September 15, 2017.”   According to the notice, about 76 employees will lose their jobs.  The DWD said it will be offering services to the affected workers through the Employ Milwaukee Rapid Response team.     Black Bear Bottling began in 1920.  In 1961 it became Black Bear Bottling Group LLC, a family owned company.