Local News - January 2004

161 to lose jobs at Haworth, Inc. Comforto

By AMY WADSWORTH, Staff Writer

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Haworth, Inc.-Comforto Operations announced Wednesday morning that it will close down its Lincolnton plant.

The date of the closing has not yet been confirmed, but Nicole Tallman, corporate spokeswoman with Haworth in Holland, Mich., said it will most likely be in the early part of this year.

The company, which manufactures office seating systems, currently employs 161 people at its 1161 Burris Boulevard plant in Lincolnton. The plant is located across the street from La-Z-Boy.

“It is really unfortunate that we have to shut down,” said plant manager John Rutledge. “The workforce in Lincolnton is very devoted.”

Rutledge stated the closing was not a reflection of the workers.

“It is sad to have to close a plant with a workforce so strong,” he said.

The closing was prompted only for economic purposes, officials said.

“The decision had to be made in order to keep the organization in line with the current economic climate,” Rutledge said.

Haworth has offices, showrooms, dealers, and manufacturing facilities in virtually every global market: Europe, North America, Central America, South America, the Caribbean, Asia, and the Middle East.

Haworth has over 10,000 members, 40 manufacturing locations, 60 showrooms, and more than 600 independent dealers around the world.

The operations in Lincolnton will be transferred to Allegan, Mich. and Bruce, Miss.

To assist with the closing, Tallman said the company is going to try and help ease the transition by giving unemployment benefits and severance packages to those who are eligible.

There will also be continued insurance coverage available through Cobra.

Employees will be provided with career transition services, counseling and an employment assistance program.

Judi Morton, manager at the Employment Security Commission, said they hope to be of some assistance.

“I was very sorry to hear of the closing,” she said. “This is the first big layoff in a couple years.”

She said the closing will impact the county’s unemployment rate.

Morton said a rapid response meeting will be held for the employees of the company which will include an orientation period.

“We will work with them as closely as we can,” she said.

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© 2001 Lincoln Times-News  

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