Harvey Building closing, 100 jobs lost

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - The city of Springfield is about to lose about 100 jobs, as a major manufacturer plans to shut down their plant.

Harvey Building Products, a manufacturer of windows, doors, and patio rooms announced that they will close their rented Springfield factory, and move production to two company-owned plants in Dartmouth, Mass. and in Londonderry, N.H.

Workers at the Springfield facility will have the option to transfer to the other plants if they so choose. The company expects to add about 90 jobs to both facilities next year, with 45 jobs being added at each plant.

Harvey Building Products had leased its property on Cottage Street for the past ten years. A spokesperson for the company told 22News the decision to close was based on a downturn in the housing industry, combined with fact that the it was time to renew their lease.

Here is what Harvey's President and Chief Operating Officer Alan Marlow said in a news release:

"Harvey's business is changing, with many of our most popular, energy-efficient products already manufactured in Dartmouth and Londonderry. Although this was a difficult decision to make, it was necessary because our Harvey-owned manufacturing facilities have capacity to handle the volume previously produced in Springfield. Harvey is very appreciative of the commitment our Springfield employees have made to the company over the past several years, and we value their contribution. We are hopeful that many will choose to join us at one of our other manufacturing locations."

The facility is set to operate close to current capacity until it closes on January 29, 2010. Employees who remain working until the plant's closing will get tenure-based severance packages. Harvey's Springfield warehouse on Carando Drive will remain open.

Michale Jiles, an economics professor at American International College, told 22News when the plant closes, the effect will be felt across the area.

"These were actually jobs, men and women, heads of household. These heads of household don't have the income to spend. Combine that with the fact that the economy is down, you slow down even more in that particular region,” he said.