Southwire LLC closes Crestview cable-manufacturing facility, affecting 71 employees
CRESTVIEW — After three years of operation, Southwire Company LLC closed its Crestview manufacturing plant on Friday.
The company originally announced the closure on Dec. 4, saying it would "align itself to best serve its markets and customers," according to a press release.
"The decision to close the Crestview facility was not made lightly, and it is not a reflection on the Southwire team members there,” Jamie Richmond, vice president of operations for Southwire’s tools, components and assembled solutions business unit, said in a press release. “We would like to thank our team members in Crestview for their years of service, and we will work to ensure that those impacted by this decision are treated with dignity and respect throughout the transition.”
Here is what we know.
What is Southwire LLC
Based in Carrollton, Georgia, Southwire is a family-owned manufacturing company that specializes in the production of wire and cable.
In November 2020, Southwire bought the 65,000-square-foot American Elite Molding manufacturing facility in Crestview near the Bob Sikes Airport. By 2021, renovation of the facility was completed.
In a Northwest Florida Daily News article from April 2021, Southwire said it would invest $10 million into the facility through 2025. According to company spokeswoman Paige Bird, the investment had the potential to create 157 new jobs.
The facility was used to produce nylon cable ties that were part of Southwire's tools, components and assembled solutions business unit.
Why did Southwire close?
The announcement to close the Crestview facility was made on Dec. 4 through a Southwire news release. In the document, a statement by Peter Lugo, senior vice president of product management for Southwire TCAS business unit, said that the closure would "represent the best use of our investments and ensure that Southwire continues to remain competitive in the marketplace."
The announcement also said that another production facility in Langfang, China, would also be closed. Production at facilities will be moved to a new facility in San Pedro Sula, Honduras.
According to officials, the move to close both facilities will enable Southwire "to simplify and streamline similar manufacturing processes at its facilities to better meet customers' needs."
The Northwest Florida Daily News reached out to Southwire for comment via email, but as of Friday had not received a response.
According to a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification notice filed on Dec. 4, the closure will affect 71 people.
Moving Forward
Nathan Sparks, executive director of OneOkaloosa Economic Development Council, said that although the closure will have a negative impact in the Crestview area, the team at OneOkaloosa EDC is already looking forward to the future possibilities that may come to the renovated facility.
"Our primary objective at this point is to work with whoever ends up with that property listing to make certain that we get as many eyes on that building as possible that can make full use of what that building offers," Sparks said.
He said many future uses for the building could include distribution, manufacturing or defense-contract work.
Sparks also said that while 71 people are now without jobs, the county has resources available to help them find jobs in a county with the lowest unemployment rate in Northwest Florida, according to the Federal Reserve Economic Data.
If impacted by the closure CareerSource Okaloosa - Walton may be able to help. For Okaloosa County residents, CareerSource Okaloosa is located at 409 Racetrack Road N.E., Fort Walton Beach. For more information, call 850-833-7587. Appointments will be available weekdays between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.
This article originally appeared on Northwest Florida Daily News: Southwire closes Crestview manufacturing plant, impacting 71 jobs
