Vaughan to close last U.S. manufacturing plant
Company will continue to source, market furniture
From Furniture Today -- Kids Today, 3/20/2008 9:23:00 AM
By Jeff Linville
Longtime case goods producer Vaughan Furniture announced Tuesday that it will close its last domestic manufacturing facility beginning about May 20.
About 275 jobs, including corporate positions, will be eliminated with the closure of the B.C. Vaughan plant. The company said it will continue to operate the T.G. Vaughan Distribution Center and the corporate office, both in Galax.
“The plant closing is not the fault of the employees of Vaughan Furniture Co.,” said Bill Vaughan, CEO. “This move is a direct result of the continued popularity of imported wooden bedroom furniture. Our customers simply preferred to buy more and more product from overseas.”
He added, “Even though we have kept the plant operating as long as possible, this is a profoundly sad day for all of us. We will miss working with all of these employees very much.”
Vaughan Furniture was founded in Galax in 1923 by Taylor George Vaughan Sr., wife Blanche Bassett Vaughan, and his brother Bunyan C. Vaughan.
“Our import business continues to grow, and we expect to employ approximately 35 people as we move our company forward as a marketing and sourcing supplier to America’s furniture retailers” Bill Vaughan said.
Those laid off will be offered a severance package and employment counseling, as well as assistance with future employment via a job fair. The company also will help the workers receive benefits under the federal Trade Act Assistance Program.
