Wood-Mode Inc., a cabinet manufacturer in Snyder County, abruptly closed earlier this month, putting more than 900 people out of work.
After Wood-Mode closure, business leaders say diverse economy important
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Rachel McDevitt/StateImpact Pennsylvania
Wood-Mode Inc., a cabinet manufacturer in Snyder County, abruptly closed earlier this month, putting more than 900 people out of work.
(Harrisburg) — Midstate business leaders say the recent closure of a large manufacturer underlines the importance of having a diversified economy.
President of the Greater Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce Bob Garrett said there had been rumors for years that custom cabinet manufacturer Wood-Mode was in trouble.
When the company suddenly laid off nearly 1,000 workers in May, Garrett said it was a surprise.
The move caused Snyder County’s unemployment rate to rise from among the lowest in the state to the highest.
But because of the robust economy, those workers had opportunities.
“There’s never a good time for an individual to be unemployed, but if there was a time [for] a large group of people to be out looking for work, this is that time,” Garrett said.
He said the Susquehanna Valley has a strong manufacturing sector as well as a need for a few thousand skilled workers. The laid-off Wood-Mode employees helped fill that need.
The area’s other large employment sectors include health care, energy, agriculture, and higher education.
Some former employees are getting rehired by the plant’s new owner, but others are still looking for new jobs.
Garrett said many worked at the plant for decades and last applied for a job before the internet existed.
He said he hopes other employers would take advantage of tools such as business counseling or small business loans to give their workers a softer landing.
A collection of interviews, photos, and music videos, featuring local musicians who have stopped by the WITF performance studio to share a little discussion and sound. Produced by WITF’s Joe Ulrich.
