TAYLORSVILLE, N.C. – More than 530 employees at three different North Carolina factories will lose their jobs in the wake of Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams shutting down quickly this weekend, citing problems securing needed financing.
According to the WARN Notice received this morning by the North Carolina Department of Commerce, the company’s 533 employees will be “separating” from the furniture and retail brand. The notice said employees working at Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams’ headquarters in Taylorsville, N.C., and factories in Statesville N.C., and Hiddenite, N.C., will be permanently laid off “on or about Aug. 26 or within fourteen (14) days thereafter.”
The majority of the employees, about 440, work at the company’s facility in Taylorsville, while 47 work in Statesville and 46 in Hiddenite. The notice is signed by Chris Moye, interim CEO who took the position April 21.
“This has been an extremely difficult decision, as it means the loss of many dedicated and valued employees,” the note read. “Thus, any assistance that you can provide in helping us to place our employees in new work would be greatly appreciated.”
The Alexander County government said it is working with local agencies and industries to help people impacted by the company’s shutdown.
“The sudden closure of Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams in Alexander County is devastating news to many of the citizens and families that rely on employment there, and our hearts go out to them,” said Marty Pennell, chairman of the Alexander County Board of Commissioners. “As students will be returning to school tomorrow, all the moms, dads, and grandparents that are affected by this closure will now be looking for new jobs.”
Pennell encouraged local industries to publicize available jobs for those who are now unemployed.
Craftmaster Furniture, Schneider Mills and Paragon Films, all located in Alexander County have said they welcome applicants at their businesses.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with all those that are affected by this closure,” said Alex Reeves, president of Craftmaster Furniture. “We never want to see this happen in the furniture industry. Craftmaster has strong demand for our product, and we are in a very healthy financial position. We welcome all applications, and we look forward to continuing to provide long-term careers in Alexander County, especially to those who just lost their jobs.”
Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams is the second North Carolina furniture manufacturer to abruptly shutdown this month. Earlier, Klaussner Home Furnishings closed its doors laying off more than 880 people.
See also: What does the WARN Act filing tell us about the Klaussner shutdown?