As we first reported on Monday – the closure of the FRAM Greenville facility on Jackson Street, will impact 302 employees. The facility is expected to close on April 30. We learned late yesterday, that the closures come after an alleged fraud scheme involving the company’s top executives. Former executives at the company were charged with a multibillion-dollar fraud scheme in January.
Brothers Patrick and Edward James were indicted on several charges, including wire fraud and bank fraud. Patrick is the founder and former CEO of the company, while Edward is a former senior executive.
They allegedly ” perpetrated a yearslong fraud at First Brands, eventually bankrupting the global automotive company in September 2025,” according to the Justice Department.
A third person, Peter Brumbergs, previously pleaded guilty to his role in the scheme. We will continue to follow this story.