Whirlpool to Close Canadian Plant Feb 6, 2004

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Whirlpool Corporation has decided to close its Montmagny, Quebec, Canada plant, which employees about 500 workers.

Approximatley 60 workers will be laid off by the end of February, and the rest in mid-May. The plant opened in the community 65 km southeast of Quebec City, Quebec, Canada in 1867.

The closure is the latest of the appliance maker's moves as it consolidates its production facilities in U.S. and overseas. The workers were told 2 years ago that the plant would be shut down. A search for a new owner was unsuccessful.

Different appliance companies, Whirlpool being the latest, have been making stoves at the Quebec plant for more than 100 years. About 1,500 Whirlpool stoves roll off the assembly line every day.

Ivan Menard, a consulant who has been working with the community to try and find a new life for the plant, said the factory is just too old, and too far from Quebec's major cities. (Canadian Press)

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