ALEXANDER COUNTY — The North Carolina furniture company Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams has closed permanently, leading to the layoffs of 533 people, according to the NC WARN database. The company had employees working in plants in Taylorsville and Hiddenite, as well as a third location in Statesville.
Business NC reported earlier this week that the company notified employees on Saturday that it was going out of business. Employees who did head to work on Monday saw a sign at the entrance with a note stating that the company had “recently and unexpectedly learned that we are unable to continue business operations.”
It’s been a rough month for NC furniture companies. Ashboro-based Klaussner Furniture announced its sudden closure on August 7, resulting in 884 layoffs. Klaussner CEO David Cybulski also cited an unexpected financing issue in his announcement.
Company Status
Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams first opened in 1989 and was ranked #60 in the most recent FDMC300 list of North American wood product companies. The ranking reported that the company had annual sales of $197.2 million and employed 750 workers. According to the NC Business Registration records, the company transitioned from a Business Corporation, as it was founded in 1989, to a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in June of this year.
The company’s CEO and President Allison O’Connor stepped down in April and was replaced by Chris Moye, as interim CEO. Moye has presided over the closing.
Hundreds of workers laid off in big NC furniture manufacturer shutdown
Community Response
According to Woodworking News, the closure was unexpected by the community.
“The sudden closure of Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams in Alexander County is devastating news to many of the citizens and families that rely on employment there, and our hearts go out to them,” said Marty Pennell, Chairman of the Alexander County Board of Commissioners.
Alexander County staff has announced that NCWorks staff will be available over the next 2 weeks to provide support for those who have lost their jobs in the closing. The county is working with western Piedmont workforce development groups to provide career planning and coaching, resume development, workshops, and scholarships.
