Lawsuits Drive Miami, Oklahoma Gas Can Maker Out Of Business

A Miami company which makes 75 percent of the nation's portable gas containers will be closing its doors for good on July 31, 2012.

Blitz USA filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in November 2011, saying it was forced to make the move after a surge of lawsuits were filed against the Ottawa County company.

The closure means 117 workers will be without a job come the end of July.

Rocky Flick, President and CEO of Blitz USA, made the announcement Monday.

"This is a sad day in the 46-year history of Blitz and for our 117 employees," Rocky Flick said. "We appreciate the support of our employees and their families in our efforts to reorganize and develop a viable business plan. Unfortunately, we were not able to address the costs of the increased litigation associated with our fuel containment products."

When the company filed for bankruptcy, it had 300 employees.

Flick says they have begun efforts to market the business and its remaining assets for sale.

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