Fleetwood Closing Plants in Pendleton and La Grande

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By Molly Kelleher

Summary

The recession is hitting Eastern Oregon. Fleetwood travel trailers is shutting down, taking 400 jobs along with it.

Story Published: Mar 10, 2009 at 5:26 PM PST

Fleetwood Closing Plants in Pendleton and La Grande
PENDLETON, OR - In a town known for rodeo riders, Pendleton was hoping to buck the national trend. RV sales are down and consumer confidence is flatlining. But no such luck, the recession is hitting close to home. Fleetwood travel trailers is shutting down, taking 400 Eastern Oregon jobs along with it.

"I think it's really bad for Pendleton. I'm really not surprised but I'm very upset," said Maureen McCormmach.

In a town of about 17,000 people, more than 250 layoffs will happen here.
it's going to hurt and people know it.

"They are one of the largest employers here. It's really going to set people back."

"Most of those people made an investment in homes, cars or RVs here. Now the way it is going they aren't gong to get anymore jobs at this point, not around here," said Dick Jones.

And while the mood is somber on the streets of Pendleton, city staffers are already working to fill the gap.

"We are wasting no time to find someone to fill it. We're leaving no stone unturned," said Tracy Bosen.

Bosen is in charge of economic development for the City of Pendleton. He's been in talks with the company and the plant manager. Fleetwood isn't going to make RVs anymore , only manufactured homes. And they've told the city they're not going to reinvent themselves in Pendleton. They're pulling out for good.

"Our hearts go out to the people who lost jobs and our feelings are with the company who had to shut down. That's something we're not looking forward to, but if you want to find a silver lining here it is. There's a great facility there and i can tell you industries are already looking at that area," said Bosen.

It's a silver lining on a day when it's hard to find one.

The facility in La Grande is also shutting down, more than a 150 people will be laid off there.

We're told both plants will now wind down production and close in about a month.