Norwood closing Janesville plant
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A Janesville manufacturer is closing it's doors in the coming months. Norwood Promotional Products will move production to a Red Wing, Minnesota facility, eliminating about 75 jobs in Janesville. Kyle Geissler reports. You can read more in Thursday's Janesville Gazette.
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Norwood Promotional Products, 1309 Plainfield Ave., has said it will close the doors of its Janesville plant in April.
JANESVILLE — A Janesville manufacturer of promotional products will close its doors in April, eliminating about 75 jobs.
Employees of Norwood Promotional Products, 1309 Plainfield Ave., learned of the decision Wednesday to move local operations to a facility in Red Wing, Minn.
Norwood has a long history in Janesville as a consolidation of several other companies such as Jaffa, Crystal Etch and The Janesville Group. It is a leading supplier of imprinted promotional products that are now branded as Jaffa.
The company was founded in 1989 and has operations in the U.S., Canada and China. Norwood markets more than 5,000 promotional products.
BIC USA bought the company in 2009, shortly after the Indianapolis-based Norwood filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Earlier this year, Norwood announced the consolidation of some manufacturing operations and the relocation of others, primarily in Texas and Indiana.
Quenten Wentworth, vice president and general manager of Norwood & BIC Graphic North America, said an analysis showed moving the Janesville operation to Red Wing would improve customer experience and streamline operational capabilities.
"Jaffa is a valued brand for Norwood with a long history of superior product quality and service," Wentworth said. "The awards and recognition category will still be an important part of our 2011 product selection and beyond."
A Janesville employee told the Gazette that Wednesday's meeting was emotional.
"There were people crying their eyes out and others that were really pissed off," the employee said. "A lot of really good people work there, people who have been there a long time, and we make good wages."
Wentworth said dislocated Janesville workers will be considered for open positions at other Norwood and BIC Graphic facilities. Job search support and severance will be offered to those not remaining with the company.
"Our goal continues to be the most cost efficient and customer focused organization in the industry," said Nicolas Paillot, another BIC executive. "The decision to close the Janesville site has not been easy, and it is not a reflection on the dedication or performance of our employees.
"We are very grateful for their many years of service."
Dec 21, 2010 at 4:43 p.m.
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You sound as if you have your job. Say that when you lose yours.
Dec 4, 2010 at 8:46 a.m.
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This is very sad for all the families involved, but it is important to remember companies are created by ideas and passion. This company was created, and others will be too. If you looking for opportunity you will find it. If your not looking you will not find it.
Dec 3, 2010 at 8:45 p.m.
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blah!!!!!! they dont appreciate nothing,if they appreciated anything or anyone at that plant,they wouldnt move it,i hope there business goes belly up.
Dec 3, 2010 at 4:20 p.m.
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Why should I ask Doyle? I can see with my own eyes what is happening. I know, he helped to move it along but we all know that. So, what is the use? I just see more companies folding up and moving away from Janesville. That is why I see us as a ghost town and even the ghost will be moving soon!
Dec 3, 2010 at 12:46 p.m.
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scooter-why don't you start asking doink, I mean Doyle why the state unions can keep their jobs amidst a 3 plus billion state deficit.
It is true, government can create jobs, their own jobs.
Dec 3, 2010 at 12:05 p.m.
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And yet on the article about 2 million will lose benefits, all the posters can talk about is politics. This means 75 or more people added to the amount looking for jobs now, just made it even harder to find work. Janesville is going to be a ghost town soon. I have lived here all my life, it is a shame what is happening here.
Dec 3, 2010 at 11:38 a.m.
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"Wentworth . . . said . . . moving the Janesville operation to Red Wing would improve customer experience and streamline operational capabilities."
Hmm. Actually, the move will eliminate seventy-five jobs in Janesville. Maybe we're looking at a brave new world where there simply won't be enough jobs for everyone. Time to reopen the county farm?
Dec 3, 2010 at 9:55 a.m.
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Maybe instead of spending money foolishly as the city has been doing in recent times, they should look at why businesses are leaving and help ease the expenses to these companies to keep them and jobs here. No jobs = no people = nobody to cover the city's outrageous spending habits!
Dec 3, 2010 at 9:11 a.m.
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There aren't many places that are doing much better. In general, industrial output has increased year-over-year around 7.5%, with only a nominal increase in employment. That means companies are finding ways to be more efficient and productive with fewer employees and facilities. Hiring is still being offset by layoffs.
Dec 2, 2010 at 11:10 p.m.
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time to leave janesville no jobs.
Dec 2, 2010 at 8:55 p.m.
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yes the slide continues, and will probably see no end for some time. We left rock county, and we most likely won't be back.
Dec 2, 2010 at 4:57 p.m.
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and the Janesville/Rock County slide continues.
Dec 2, 2010 at 4:57 p.m.
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Another one bites the dust here in Janesville! This town is going down, slowly, but surely. Yet our city government still wants to spend, spend, spend. What will happen when everyone moves out because of no jobs. Who will you get to spend money on your two-way streets, ice arena, sidewalks, etc.
Dec 2, 2010 at 4:31 p.m.
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Wow...Merry Freakin Christmas. My heart goes out to all the employees!
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