Auburn, Ala. — MasterPlan Cabinets announced a sudden closure of its Auburn plant, located at 300 Webster Road, laying off 445 employees.
The company, which opened its Auburn Plant in 1999, announced the closure unexpectedly to employees at about 10 a.m. on Tuesday, June 12.
The headquarters, located in Jasper, Indiana, released a statement earlier citing market conditions being the explanation for the closure:
“MasterBrand Cabinets, Inc. has continued to see market conditions and consumer tastes change over the last few years. In order to improve operational efficiencies while addressing these market changes, we will close the Auburn, AL manufacturing plant effective June 12, 2018. Products manufactured in the Auburn facility will be produced at other MasterBrand U.S. manufacturing locations,”
City officials announced that they were surprised by the closure, but that they would assist in finding other job opportunities for those affected by the closure.
“We are committed to helping these individuals find meaningful employment, and I am confident that our Workforce Development Division will do everything in its power to help them find new jobs,” said Auburn Mayor Bill Ham Jr.
The city of Auburn’s Workforce Division plans to hold a job fair to connect those laid off with potential employers.
The company announced that it would assist employees in finding new jobs as well while also providing severance and health benefits.
The statement from Master went on to explain: "MasterBrand Cabinets is committed to assisting the 445 associates through the transition. The company will provide additional compensation, coordination with all state and local agencies to help find new employment, and resources from our Employee Assistance Program.”
