By Amye Anderson
UCBJ Managing Editor
SPARTA – The loss of a major contract has forced Endura Products’ Sparta location to close abruptly. Approximately 75 employees will be affected as a result of the closure; which is slated to occur sometime within the next six to eight weeks, once all existing orders are filled.
“It’s disappointing,” said White County Executive Denny Wayne Robinson. “It’s sad. That company, even though it’s changed names and ownership – that particular business has been here in White County for a long time; 30-plus years.”
The closure, as addressed in a statement released by company president Bruce Procton, was the result of the sudden and unexpected decision by a “significant customer” to drastically reduce its supply relationship with Endura. That loss reportedly accounted for the majority of the plant’s business.
“With great disappointment and sadness, Endura Products has had to take immediate steps to shut down its Sparta, Tenn. plant on a permanent basis,” a statement from Procton read.
“Endura has been left with no choice but to realign our wood processing and frame production to our other facilities as it simply is not viable or sustainable to continue the operations of the Sparta plant without the aforementioned business,” he added.
Meanwhile, those employees affected by the closure are receiving job seeking assistance from Endura. The company has announced it is actively working with the Tennessee Department of Labor to help affected employees find and transition to other jobs.
Following the announcement, the following local industries have indicated they have open positions available for those affected by the closure of Endura Products:
• HMMI
• Peregrine Steel
• THK Rhythm North America
• Tristate Industries
In addition to assisting newly-displaced workers with their job search, Endura is also providing severance packages that recognize accrued unused vacation, personal and sick leave, as well as offering assistance for health care costs.
“We are very thankful for the loyalty and hard work that our White County employees have devoted to the company over the past six years since its acquisition by Endura,” Procton said. “Our Sparta team worked hard to support the company’s commitment to improving building practices and providing exceptional value to our customers through their devotion to quality and unmatched customer service.”
In 2012, Endura Products acquired JELD-WEN, the facility’s previous owner and a producer of energy-efficient doors and windows.