Cabarrus County Hits Hard as Local Plant Closure Looms
Hey there, Cabarrus County! We’re bringing you some news that might hit a little close to home. Just as the leaves are starting to change and those cozy fall vibes set in, we learn that the local sports apparel manufacturer, Tegra Global, is closing its Concord plant. This news comes as a blow to many, with around 61 jobs being cut by the end of March next year.
What’s Happening?
The announcement came via a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN), received by the North Carolina Department of Commerce on Tuesday. This plant, located at 244 Manor Ave. SW, a mere 25 miles northeast of uptown Charlotte, is set to close its doors on March 31, 2024. That’s just a few months away!
The Tough Reasons Behind It
So, why is this happening? Well, it turns out that the company has been facing a tough situation with supply chain disruptions, rising inflation, and a notable decrease in customer demand. L’Tanya Johnson, the director of human resources, highlighted the significant impact this has had on the company’s finances, stating, “The economic impact on the company is very severe and our ability to be profitable has been extremely impacted.”
That’s a big deal. Many employees, including those in production, quality assurance, packing, and various operator roles, are going to feel the pinch from this closure.
The Layoff Timeline
In terms of timing, employees were notified about the impending layoffs on September 12. The layoffs will be gradual, starting with 37 individuals on Tuesday, followed by another 7 workers on December 31, and then finally, 19 more will be let go on the closing date of March 31. It’s a tough situation for those who have made their living contributing to the sporting apparel we all know and love.
About Tegra Global
If you’re not familiar with Tegra Global, they were established in 2016 and have since grown to include over 10,000 employees across five locations in the U.S. and Central America. They specialize in making athletic apparel for professional, collegiate, and high school teams. Earlier this year, the company was acquired by South Korea-based Sae-A Trading, but the terms of that deal remained under wraps.
What Comes Next?
As the community faces these layoffs and the closure of a significant employer, the question that lingers in many minds is, “What comes next?” It can be hard to find a silver lining in such troubling news. There may be potential for retraining assistance and job placement services for those affected, but the journey to recovery will not be easy.
As we move forward, let’s keep our local community in our thoughts and support all those affected. Whether it’s spreading the word about job opportunities or lending a hand in other ways, every bit counts!
Staying Informed
For those who want to keep up with developments regarding this story and everything else happening in our area, it’s always a good idea to stay informed. Keep your ears open and your eyes peeled for updates on local news and resources.
Here’s hoping for a brighter future for our friends and neighbors in Cabarrus County. We’re all in this together!
