Weyerhaeuser Co.’s has decided to close its veneer and engineered wood mills in Simsboro and Dodson, eliminating approximately 185 jobs — 47 at Simbsoro and 138 at Dondson. According to the company, the closures are a consequence of the slowdown in home building, which has led to a decrease in demand for wood and reduced operations at Weyerhaeuser mills.
Weyerhaeuser continues to employ approximately 970 employees in Louisiana at wood products mills in Arcadia (OSB), Dodson (Lumber), Holden (Lumber), Natchitoches (Veneer), Taylor (Lumber) and Zwolle (Veneer); Tree Improvement Centers at Isabel and Taylor; Timberlands offices at Bogalusa, Dodson, Livingston, Natchitoches and Taylor; and WREDCO land development offices in Denham Springs, Mandeville and Ruston. Weyerhaeuser owns and manages about one million timber acres of timber in the state.
The announcement came on the same day that Governor Bobby Jindal and Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Stephen Moret joined Southland Steel Fabricators Vice President Joey Lombardo to announce plans to expand Southland’s existing facility in Greensburg, by 50,400 square feet, as well as construct a new 32,000-square-foot building. The addition includes the installation of $400,000 worth of equipment for a new paint shop. The project represents a $1.5 million capital investment that will retain 141 jobs and create 35 new jobs, with an average salary of $36,000.
The bad news from Weyerhaeuser promopted a response from Sen. Landrieu who said she has spoken with U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Vilsack about securing aid for farmers in Louisiana who will be impacted by the closure of the Pilgrim’s Pride plant in Farmerville. to say that “It is deeply troubling that the country’s economic decline is causing yet another Louisiana manufacturing plant to shut down operations. Another 200 people in North Louisiana will now be facing unemployment, increasing pressure on already-strained communities.
“While our unemployment rate is still below the national average, we have had some worrisome announcements with today’s announcement along with the closing of International Paper and announced closings of Pilgrim’s Pride plants – just to name two more. More than 3,000 Louisianans are unemployed as a result of North and Central Louisiana plant closings.
“I will continue working with state officials to marshal the assistance of the federal government on behalf of impacted families, businesses and communities. I hope that the state will utilize all of the resources to at its disposal to help Louisianians who get laid off get back on their feet.”
CATERPILLAR LAYS OFF 2,454 WORKERS IN 3 STATES - - - - By: DANIEL LOVERING, - - - - - AP Manufacturing Writer – 5 mins ago - - - - In response to the worsening conditions, Caterpillar in January announced job cuts that will ultimately eliminate 20,000 positions…. Caterpillar Inc. announced a fresh round of job cuts earlier this morning, laying off more than 2,400 employees at five plants in Illinois, Indiana and Georgia as the heavy equipment maker continues to cut costs amid the global economic downturn…………….. 10% down, 90% or the origional projection to go………………………. Next………..-> -> -> ->
Written by
on 3/17/2009
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Well now, there is the problem Kp, people don't want 'work'........... The want to earn a decent living.................... And there is not enough of that around.... Government programs? Well, this country is one huge government program.... Time to deprogram the jackasses that are running things and get on with tangeble directions..... Written by
on 3/16/2009
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Since the early 80's, people have saved too little, went into debt hey were spending so much. The people have wised up - wised up as there will now be less reckless consumerism. That will require a readjustment - this "readjustment" will mean businesses will close and jobs will be lost. Although this is a temporary "crises" for those who are willing to work, they will find other work. No government plan needed to save anyone from anything. Written by kpf
on 3/14/2009
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Oh, don't worry, those 35 jobs being created at the fab shop are going to save the day!!!! You know they average out at 36K a year each!!! Remember, you can manipulate percentages, and averages and statistics anyway you want to make some kind of a position.... It is only when ALL the percentages, averages and statistics are lain out side by side that the real story emerges..... Oh JOY!!!! THE STOCK MARKET IS REBOUNDING!!!!! WE'RE SAVED! WE'RE SAVED!!! Written by
on 3/14/2009
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Money from Washington, the solution to every problem. Written by "It's just like manna from heaven"
on 3/13/2009
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Jindal should take the unemployment money included in the stimulus bill. Written by David Quidd
on 3/13/2009
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