WINNIPEG - Canadian furniture giant Palliser Furniture will make temporary changes to its workforce and manufacturing operations to deal with the coronavirus pandemic. 

 

The first change will be to close its main manfacturing facility in Winnipeg for two weeks beginning March 30. It will also begin efforts to close its Mexican facilities. 72 percent of the company's workers will be laid off.

 

"I am proud that we have created 3,000 jobs in our worldwide facilities, and we will not give up on any of these Palliser team members," said Peter Tielmann, president and CEO of Palliser. Palliser is actively exploring workshare along with additional assistance programs for employees impacted by these temporary layoffs.

 

"Management has taken the threat of the pandemic on our people and our business with the utmost seriousness. The health and safety of our diverse Palliser team members and their families have been, and remains our top priority," said Tielmann.

 

Palliser employs more than 3,000 people around the world - 700 of which are in Winnipeg. The company is one of the largest manufacturers of upholstered leather furniture in North America.