NEW CASTLE, Ind. - North Carolina-based furniture component maker Hickory Springs Manufacturing (HSM) will lay off 59 workers at one of its Indiana plants.

 

HSM says the pandemic forced its hand, citing "unforeseen business circumstances associated with COVID-19." The affected employees amount to around half of the total workforce at the plant. Layoffs will be permanent and there will be no bumping rights.

 

The affected plant operates under the company's transportation division, which manufactures components for the school bus industry.

 

Hickory Springs, which rebranded to HSM in 2013, is one of the country's largest suppliers of components for the bedding and furniture industries. Founded in 1944, the company operates 36 plants and employs 2,500 workers across 17 states.

 

It is not clear if the company will provide affected employees with assistance.