Besse Forest Products Group laid off 139 workers Aug. 2 and closed its Wisconsin Veneer and Plywood plant in Mattoon, Wis., Birchwood Manufacturing Company in Rice Lake, Wis., and Goodman Veneer and Lumber plant in Goodman, Wis., the Green Bay Press-Gazette reported.
"After exploring restructuring alternatives, we have determined that Wisconsin Veneer and Plywood will cease operations. Therefore, we are providing as much notice of the closing as is practicable in the circumstances, pursuant to federal and state WARN laws," Besse’s Chief Restructuring Officer Tim Turek said in a statement.
The closures and layoffs come four months after the Hoffman Group of Companies acquired Besse's northern Michigan and Wisconsin sawmills, wood drying facilities and veneer and plywood factories.
Besse notified employees one day before closing the plants and laying off employees, the Press-Gazette reported.
The North Central States Regional Council of Carpenters union, which represents some of the laid-off workers, filed a complaint Aug. 2 with the Wisconsin Department of Justice claiming Besse did not give the legally required advance notice time of layoffs, according to the Green Bay Press-Gazette.
The group is arguing the notices violate the Wisconsin Business Closings and Mass Layoff Law, which states that 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.
