When Armstrong Flooring announced the company would be closing its Jackson facility in the fourth quarter of this year, Jackson Mayor Jerry Gist expressed disappointment, but remained upbeat for the 215 employees who will lose their jobs.
“That is the nature of economic development,” Gist said. “It’s like a yo-yo – up one day and down the next. Armstrong has been a huge part of our city. We hate it for the employees, but we do feel optimistic because of their great work ethic.”
Kyle Spurgeon, president/CEO of the Jackson Chamber, discussed what brought about the closing with Dan Reaves and Sea Bass during the 2HL on 101.5 FM, earlier.
“Consumer demand for the type products that are basically produced here in Jackson,” Spurgeon said. “This plant concentrated on a type of product that is no longer the most popular within their brand portfolio.”
The Jackson plant manufactures exclusively -two-feet and three-feet-wide – solid wood flooring.
The production will be transferred to Armstrong’s other domestic wood flooring plants.
Shawn Daly, plant manager at Toyoto Bodine Aluminum, anticipates the maker of engine blocks and transmission cases will do some hiring by the end of the year.
“About 60 percent of our team members are skilled positions,” Daly said. “You need a certificate or an associates degree in that field.”
Jimmy Harris, Madison County mayor, said he was shocked when he first learned of Armstrong’s closing.
“This is a very sad day,” Harris said. “Armstrong has a good company, product and workforce … employees that will have the opportunity to go to work for another industry, here.”
(PHOTO: Armstrong Flooring is located at 154 Rosedale)
David Thomas, Twitter – @DavidThomasWNWS
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