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EDCO Responds To Laird Closure

SISTERS, OR -- Sisters is losing what was once a major employer in the city, but officials say the closure of Laird Superfood’s manufacturing facility is not the start of a trend. Last week, Laird announced the lay off of 46 workers as it closes its Sisters manufacturing and fulfillment centers by January.

"It was a start-up, really, and grew in Sisters to what it has become. And yes, they got into some business issues and problems, and that happens for all kinds of reasons. I really don’t think it was anything to do with Sisters. I think they were really welcomed by the city, by the citizens. It’s a shame to have them leave. It was a good company; it was a good fit," says Economic Development for Central Oregon (EDCO) Sisters Country Director Eric Strobel. However, "I think there’s a little bit of lemonade to be made from the lemons."

Strobel tells KBND News, "We’ve got four or five companies in Sisters that are expanding and need employees. So, our hope is that we can have some of those Laird employees go to some of the other Sisters companies that are expanding." And, he adds, two other Portland-based companies recently relocated to Sisters. EDCO plans to host a job fair at Laird Superfood in November, with at least eight businesses taking part. In this tight labor market, he believes those laid-off workers will be in high demand.

Strobel also sees Laird's manufacturing buildings filling back up very quicly. "Those same companies that are expanding are also very interested in looking at those buildings for lease. It’s really nice to have that amount of square footage available for expanding companies."

 

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