Wrangler closing

Things are tough all over Oklahoma. I missed this July 29 story, but came across it today, browsing through some other Oklahoma blogs.

More than 650 employees of Seminole's two Wrangler facilities received word Monday that they will be dismissed while 250-300 workers will keep their jobs. ...

In the letter to Choate, the company indicated 663 employees will be affected by the reduction. Those positions include 507 sewing machine operators, 52 laundry positions, 23 quality assurance positions, 19 supervisors, 16 mechanics, 11 general labor positions, 10 clerical employees and various other management and administrative positions. The layoffs become effective Sept. 26.

"The distribution center will remain open, however, the laundry facility in the back of the building will close," [Seminole City Manager] Saxon said. ...

"It basically all boiled down to we had more capacity than what we needed for production," [Corporate HR VP Sam Tucker] said. "We were forced to look at the facilities with the highest costs. This, in no way, is a reflection on the people of Seminole. They have done great work for us."

The story went on to say that the jobs are probably headed to Mexico, and that even with the loss of 650 jobs, the 250 to 300 remaining will continue to make Wrangler Seminole's largest employer. Talk about overdependent on one company.

Found the story through JMBzine, which has an entry about this week's demonstration at the plant.