North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein’s office called on Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams and Klaussner Furniture to do everything in their power to help the approximately 1,300 former employees who are now without jobs after both companies closed their facilities. In both cases, the closures came without notification and little recourse for the workers.

More than 500 workers have been left unemployed in Alexander and Iredell counties after Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams closed abruptly. In Randolph and Montgomery counties, the sudden closure of Klaussner Furniture left nearly 800 employees without jobs.

“Businesses must do right by their workers even when they shut down,” said Stein. “This is an incredibly difficult time for the communities affected by these closures, and I intend to do everything in my power to make sure these companies look out for their employees, their customers, and their communities.”

In the letters, the office calls on the companies to work with the Department of Commerce and local county governments to ensure that former workers have every resource available to support themselves and their families. The letter also directs the companies to be mindful of their consumer and environmental responsibilities.

It is uncertain what power Stein has in this matter, and Woodworking Network has reached out to the AG's office for further clarification. The letters were sent to David Cybulski, president of Klaussner Furniture and Chris Moye, CEO of The Mitchell Gold Co., LLC, d/b/a Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams.

While both letters followed a similar format, for the Moye letter, the  AG did also encourage creditors to help a potential restart of the company. "I am hopeful that the company will develop a plan to reorganize in a manner that will allow it to restart and continue operations in North Carolina. I also urge the company’s creditors to facilitate development of such a plan."