Hostess, Twinkie Maker, Is Closing -- 18,500 Workers Will Lose Jobs

By Tanya Agrawal

Hostess Brands Inc, the bankrupt maker of Twinkies and Wonder Bread, said it had sought court permission to close and go out of business after failing to get wage and benefit cuts from thousands of its striking bakery workers.

Hostess said a national strike by members of the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union that began last week had crippled its ability to produce and deliver products at several facilities.