Major Listowel manufacturing employer shutting down

Around 140 jobs will be lost in Listowel, as the Spinrite Manufacturing Facility and Retail Store announced its closure.

The exact date of the closure is not yet known, though just this week, the Municipality of North Perth sent out a release in response.

“It is indeed sad and unfortunate news to learn that a long staple of our manufacturing base, Spinrite, is discontinuing its 70-plus year manufacturing effort in Listowel,” said Mayor Todd Kasenberg.

“My concern and heart reaches out to the approximately 140 employees who will soon be out of work. I have spoken to Spinrite officials, who have committed to helping these employees with transition supports and severance pay.”

The major employer has been a staple in the community for over 73 years, and a must-stop shop for tourists at its annual yarn sale.

Kasenberg said some administrative, marketing, and sales roles will stay in North Perth, but the municipality is actively working with Spinrite to help the dozens of employees impacted.

“We will explore ramping up some programming at Set7 to support those seeking retraining and reskilling, and talk with the province about various opportunities that might involve their pockets.”

When it comes to future of job creation and manufacturing in Listowel, Kasenberg said they are “dedicated to pursuing new economic and investment opportunities to ensure future growth and employment stability for North Perth.”

Spinrite was founded by David Hay in Listowel in 1952.