Stanley to cut staff at N.C. plant
Tanya K. Merritte -- Kids Today, 1/1/2007
Stanley Furniture plans to lay off nearly half of the work force at its plant in Robbinsville, N.C., the manufacturer said. The plant currently produces the majority of the Young America youth line.
The case goods manufacturer plans to cut 200 of the 450 workers at the plant, including both management and hourly employees. The layoffs are scheduled to begin Feb. 12.
"The industrywide slowdown that has led to lower sales requires us to balance production and staffing levels throughout our four facilities," said Jeffrey Scheffer, chairman, president and CEO of Stanley. "We sincerely regret the impact on some of our Robbinsville associates. However, this difficult decision is necessary to better align our staffing levels and work schedules with current business conditions."
As a result of the layoffs, Stanley plans to shift some production of the Young America line to the company's other three plants in Lexington, N.C., and Stanleytown and Martinsville, Va.
Stanley said it will work with the N.C. Employment Security Commission to provide career counseling and job search help. The manufacturer also plans to apply for federal Trade Adjustment Assistance that will allow eligible employees to receive extended income supports and allowances for training, job searches and relocation.
