The approximately 66 employees of the JELD-WEN patio door plant in Wedowee will not longer have jobs as of November 1.
The plant is closing and already some operations have stopped as the company transitions.
Manager of External Communications Katie Pylipow told 1819 News the production from the Wedowee plant will be moved to Kissimmee, Florida and Pataskala, Ohio.
“While these decisions are difficult, we are consolidating manufacturing locations as part of an ongoing effort to strengthen our competitiveness and align with demand for patio doors,” she said.
The company sent letters to employees on August 1.
“We value the contributions of our employees and have provided those affected with a competitive separation package and outplacement services to help provide a smooth transition,” Pataskala said. “Affected employees can also apply for any open roles across the company. While decisions that impact people are never easy, we make them only after careful consideration and with the understanding that our actions today are necessary to position JELD-WEN for long-term success.”
Wedowee Mayor Tim Coe said the announcement came as a shock to him. He hopes a job fair at JELD-WEN would help some of the employees find jobs.
"Obviously it’s going to be a big lick to the community," Coe said. "It’s going to hurt us a lot."
“It came as a shock to me," he added. "A few years ago, they talked about closing but instead, they added a line out there so, I didn’t know we were in danger.”
Coe said he has also been in contact with other businesses that may be interested in taking over the space off Highway 431.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email erica.thomas@1819news.com.
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