MOSINEE, WI -- Weather Shield's factory dedicated to vinyl window and door production here in Mosinee will permanently close by Aug. 31, putting more than 500 people out of work.
Workers, many of them members of United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, were informed of the decision by Schield Family Brands to shutter the plant last month. Layoffs are to begin Feb. 7 and continue through the summer as operations are scaled back and then ceased. Schield of Medford, WI, is parent company to Weathershield, SNE Enterprises and Peachtree Doors and Windows.
Central Wisconsin Business reported that Schield cited the ongoing housing crisis and refusal of union workers to extend its current contract, including accepting a pay freeze, as major factors in deciding to close the plant.
Production will be transferred to other Schield window and door facilities.
Rich Christianson is Associate Publisher and Editor at Large of Woodworking Network. During his 25+ years covering the wood products industry, Rich has toured hundreds of manufacturing plants throughout North America, Europe and Asia. His reporting has covered everything from the state of the industry and impact of wood imports to technology and environmental issues. In his current capacity he is responsible for editing the daily Woodworking Network Update newsletter and coordinating events including the annual Closets & Home Organization Conference & Expo and the Canada’s biennial Woodworking Machinery & Supply Expo.
COMMENTS (1)
Bill
Report AbuseI have been working in the Re-Man sector of this industry since 1982.
I have worked with the various Weathershield operations over the years and did not know that they had to deal
with any unions.
I believe like IKEA, which is now union will bring the forest products companies down.
I dislike being forced to purchase products from countries such as China.
If you do not believe me just visit a Costco and look at the country of origin on the furiture they sell.
We wish the Weathersheild companies all the best.
Regards.
Bill