CONOVER, N.C. — More than 200 people are losing their jobs just before the new year after Kroehler Furniture told workers it is shutting down its Conover plant, a decision many say blindsided them.
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The Kroehler name has been in the furniture industry since the late 1800s, but that may come to an end Wednesday as more than 200 workers learned they are now out of a job.
Employees said they got a notice Monday about the layoffs.
“It’s just a sad situation for everybody,” said Sharon Roberts, an employee. “I’ll be 65 at the end of January. It’s forced me into retirement. I’m not ready to retire.”
Workers said the plant in Conover, which has been there for four decades, makes furniture for Value City Furniture stores. But its owner, American Signature, announced last month it had filed for Chapter 11 protection in U.S. Bankruptcy Court.
Kroehler said it is closing because of a “significant reduction in business”.
Under the Warn Act, employers are supposed to provide workers with 60-day notice of a mass layoffs. The company said it didn’t do that as it searched for new capital and business to avoid a shutdown.
But workers said they had no warning they were about to lose their jobs, including 86-year old Arvella Benfield who has worked in the furniture industry for 60 years.
“Well, I was absolutely devastated,” she said. “I couldn’t, you know, it happened so fast. I just couldn’t hardly couldn’t hardly believe it.”
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