| Spencer Veneer announced yesterday they are closing their doors. About 130 workers will be unemployed come June 15th, according to their announcement.
Many of the workers are from Calhoun.
"It's a real blow. We're going to do everything to try and keep the company here," said Mayor Terry Williams. "I know their business has not been good."
Williams said he and local officials will be meeting with the company in Charleston next week to discuss the closure.
The mayor said he has not been given a reason for the closure.
He indicated there are really poor market conditions for veneers and American wood products.
The company has had a reputation for employee turn-over and has had several serious safety-accident problems, with at least one resulting in death.
A worker said the company generally pays workers about $5.50 an hour, although they do have some benefits.
Spencer Veneer LLC was formed in July 2000, purchasing the 118,000-square-foot former Roane Hardwoods building.
The company established a wood veneer manufacturing operation.
In 2003, the company purchased the 110,000-square-foot former BF Goodrich building for expansion purposes, estimating that the number of employees would cap at about 190 in three years.
A government loan was made to Spencer Veneer in 2003 of $421,320,
to assume an existing WVEDA loan to BF Goodrich for its building in Spencer for use by Spencer Veneer LLC.
Williams did have some positive comments, indicating a new artists colony was being started in Spencer and Tudor's Biscuit World and Gino's Pizza will be breaking ground.
The veneer closing joins Goodrich and Spencer Mfg.
| 
