Ohio window manufacturer shocks with unexpected layoffs announcement

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Associated Materials, a producer of exterior building products, has announced a significant reduction in its workforce at its Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio location, as detailed in a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act notice submitted to the state of Ohio on Thursday, March 21. The company plans to lay off 190 employees as part of a strategic overhaul of its window-manufacturing operations. This adjustment is set to take effect on May 20, or within a 14-day window of that date, at the Central Facility situated at 3773 State Road, Cuyahoga Falls.

The decision to restructure and concentrate window production within the United States has led to the elimination of positions specifically associated with window manufacturing, excluding those involved in the production of specialty windows. According to the notice, this move is aimed at aligning operations with market growth opportunities and ensuring the ongoing service of existing customers.

In response to the workforce reduction, Associated Materials has expressed a strong commitment to supporting the impacted employees. Eligible workers are to receive severance packages and assistance in finding new job opportunities. Furthermore, there will be opportunities for these employees to apply for alternative positions within the company, reinforcing Associated Materials' dedication to its staff during this transitional period.

Despite the layoffs, the company reaffirms its investment in the Central Facility, envisioning it as a hub for innovation within the windows segment. The site will continue to manufacture patio doors and specialty windows while expanding its role to include increased engineering and development capacity and becoming a center for the development of innovative products.

Owned by Strategic Value Partners LLC, a global investment firm based in Connecticut, Associated Materials operates with a total workforce of approximately 4,500 employees and reported revenue of $1.7 billion in 2023. The significant presence of its Central Facility, which spans over 500,000 square feet, underscores the company's significant footprint in the exterior building products industry.