After more than 70 years in Listowel, Spinrite is closing its doors.
The manufacturing facility and retail store will shut down this summer, although an exact date is not yet known. There are currently 140 employees working in the manufacturing building and the retail store.
Spinrite confirmed the closure in a statement to CKNXNewsToday.ca
"Spinrite Inc. has made the difficult decision to close the manufacturing facility and retail outlet store in Listowel. This decision was not made lightly and reflects the need to ensure long-term business sustainability in a highly competitive global market. We will still maintain a presence in Listowel with our office to support the business, as well as our Listowel Distribution Centre to facilitate Canadian distribution," wrote Spinrite Vice President of Human Resources Lindsay Beharry. "We are deeply grateful for the dedication, hard work, and commitment of the Listowel manufacturing and retail team, past and present, whose contributions have played a significant role in our company’s history. We recognize the impact this decision has on our team members and the community, and we are committed to supporting those affected through this transition."
The municipality of North Perth has released a statement regarding the closure, saying it is "actively collaborating with Spinrite to support affected individuals."
"For over 73 years, Spinrite has been an integral part of our community’s identity. Spinrite is a valued corporation, a major employer, and a destination for many through its annual yarn sale. This news is shocking, and we recognize the significant impact this will have on individuals, families, and the broader community," the statement from North Perth said.
North Perth's statement does note that some of the administrative, marketing, and sales roles will still remain in the area.
"It is indeed sad and unfortunate news to learn that a long staple of our manufacturing base, Spinrite, is discontinuing its 70-plus year manufacturing effort in Listowel. My concern and heart reaches out to the approximately 140 employees who will soon be out of work," North Perth Mayor Todd Kasenberg said. "I have spoken to Spinrite officials, who have committed to helping these employees with transition supports and severance pay. We have appreciation that some of the administrative, marketing, and sales roles will remain in North Perth. I am saddened to learn that the store will also close, though on a timeline different than the factory closure. The summer Yarn sale was a big part of our local festivities. We will explore ramping up some programming at Set7 to support those seeking retraining and re-skilling, and talk with the province about various opportunities that might involve their pockets."