WOOSTER, Ohio (Dec. 9)—Newell Rubbermaid Inc. will close its Rubbermaid Home Products operations in Wooster, the company announced today.
CEO Joseph Galli called the complex "a very high cost" operation, and offered the move as an example of the parent company´s commitment to making changes that will make it more profitable. "It is an example of the major steps we are taking in this company to position ourselves for the long term," Galli said.
Wooster is Rubbermaid Home Products' largest operation, with more than 850 employees. The city is home to the unit's headquarters, as well as its largest manufacturing plant and a major distribution operation. Galli said headquarters personnel will relocate, either to other Home Products plants or to a new low-cost facility. He would not provide details on what will happen to other workers, and he would not give a timeframe for the shutdown.