Besse Forest Products abruptly closes 3 Wisconsin plants, lays off 138, draws union complaint

By Jeff Bollier
The Green Bay Press-Gazette
August 7, 2024
Category: Business & Politics
Region: United States, US East

WISCONSIN — A carpenters union filed a complaint with the Wisconsin Department of Justice after a lumber manufacturing company notified the state one day before it closed three plants and lay off 139 workers. Besse Forest Products Group on Aug. 1 sent the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development notices that it would close Wisconsin Veneer and Plywood plant in Mattoon (42 employees), Birchwood Manufacturing Company in Rice Lake (46) and the Goodman Veneer and Lumber plant in Goodman (48) the next day, Aug. 2. …The North Central States Regional Council of Carpenters (NCSRCC) said the notices violate the Wisconsin Business Closings and Mass Layoff Law. The law states any employer with more than 50 employees must notify the state 60 days in advance of any temporary or permanent closure of a site that affects more than 25 employees. …The carpenters union also requested Besse officials meet and negotiate the terms of the Mattoon facility’s closure as is required by federal law.

Read More