Heartbreak in Statesville: Dura Supreme Cabinetry Shuts Its Doors
In a surprising turn of events, Statesville, North Carolina is bracing for the closure of Dura Supreme Cabinetry, just a year after it opened its doors in Iredell County. The Minnesota-based company, known for its beautiful semi-custom and custom kitchen and bath cabinets, will lay off all 74 employees effective January 20th, after the holidays. This closure is creating an atmosphere of uncertainty for its workers, who are left grappling with the sudden news.
A Shocking Announcement
The announcement came through a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN) received by the North Carolina Department of Commerce. The WARN notice revealed that all workers at the company’s 300,000-square-foot manufacturing site, located at 607 Meachum Road in Statesville, will be affected. This facility is located about 45 miles north of Charlotte, and its closure marks a significant loss for the local job market.
Taking a Step Back
Chase Thornburg, the vice president of human resources for MasterBrand – the parent company that acquired Dura Supreme in July for a staggering $520 million – described the closure as a difficult but necessary business decision. Notably, MasterBrand isn’t only closing the Dura Supreme facility. They’re also shutting down a kitchen and bath cabinet manufacturing plant in Liberty, Randolph County, which will put another 200 individuals out of work.
In a bid to streamline operations, MasterBrand aims to focus on just one facility in eastern North Carolina, specifically at its plant in Kinston, Lenoir County. The company has indicated that this move is part of a larger strategy to “optimize the footprint” and ensure better collaboration and future growth.
A Promising Start Turned Sour
Just a year ago, when Dura Supreme embarked on its multimillion-dollar expansion in Statesville, it had grand hopes of creating over 200 new jobs in the area. Local talent was to be employed in various roles, including cabinet making, furniture making, finishing, woodworking, and machining. The closure is, therefore, a stark reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in the business world.
MasterBrand’s Broader Strategy
The 70-year-old MasterBrand is one of North America’s largest cabinet manufacturers, proudly boasting over 12,000 workers spread across more than 20 manufacturing facilities and offices. The company reported a growth of 6% year-over-year in net sales, reaching $718 million, mainly fueled by the acquisition of Dura Supreme. However, with this current closure, many are left wondering about the long-term implications for the region.
Interestingly, MasterBrand has made significant investments in North Carolina in recent years, including nearly $14 million to expand operations in Kinston, which is projected to create 450 jobs over the next five years. This expansion came with nearly $4 million in state tax incentives, showcasing the state’s commitment to supporting local businesses.
Local Impact and Future Prospects
The sudden loss of Dura Supreme Cabinetry comes at a challenging time as local workers now face the daunting task of looking for new employment. Dura Supreme had also established four local showrooms in areas like Charlotte, Cornelius, Mooresville, and Shelby, but with the factory shutting down, there’s uncertainty surrounding the future of those locations as well.
Conclusion: A Community in Need
The closure of Dura Supreme Cabinetry serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the economy and the impact that corporate decisions can have on local communities. For the 74 workers set to lose their jobs in just a few weeks, the path ahead may be rocky, but hopefully, resources and support will be available to assist them in navigating this transition.
As Statesville and the surrounding areas digest this news, it becomes ever more important for local leaders and community organizations to work together to help those affected find new opportunities and support.
