By The Seymour Tribune
SEYMOUR — The company that has been making ironing boards in Seymour since 1998 announced Tuesday it is ceasing operations.
Home Products International-North America Inc. intends to pursue an exit of its Seymour-based garment care and home organization businesses to focus on its core plastics business, according to a news release from the Chicago-based company.
HPI owns and operates several metal stamping plants and distribution centers in Seymour, where it produces ironing boards. It employed approximately 130 employees as of Tuesday’s announcement.
“This difficult decision is in no way a reflection on our exceptional workforce in Seymour,” Chief Executive Officer George Hamilton said. “Market conditions over the past two years driven largely by the COVID-19 pandemic combined with unprecedented inflation in steel costs and global supply chain challenges have made it impossible for us to continue to operate profitably. The company is exploring various alternatives, including a possible sale to an interested party in Indiana.”
The company has notified its employees and will be working with closely with the Indiana Department of Workforce Development and local government officials to help its employees with re-employment assistance.
Seymour Mayor Matt Nicholson said he is saddened by the closure and its employees being displaced.
The city will assist with re-employment efforts through job fairs and workforce training with HPI, the Indiana Department of Workforce Development and Jackson County Industrial Development Corp.
For the complete story, see Friday’s Republic.
