Steel Product Producers
Zekelman subsidiary Wheatland Tube set to close Chicago plant
Written by Ethan Bernard
October 1, 2024
Wheatland Tube, a subsidiary of Zekelman Industries, is closing a tube facility in Chicago, with nearly 240 workers being laid off.
An Illinois WARN Notice filed on Sept. 6 showed the first layoff date was scheduled for Nov. 1.
Zekelman Industries said a significant contributing factor for the closing is the “surge” of imported steel conduit from Mexico, according to a statement sent to SMU dated Sept. 25.
“All we ask is for our trade agreements to be enforced,” Barry Zekelman, executive chairman and CEO of Zekelman Industries, said in the statement. “Instead, there will be Americans out of work at a company that pays life-sustaining wages and benefits.”
Jennifer Murphy, vice president of HR at Zekelman, said that to the greatest extent possible, the company has offered impacted employees the opportunity to transfer to positions matching their skill sets at other company facilities.
“For employees who are not interested in transferring, or for whom opportunities are not available, we will offer broad transition support inclusive of severance and outplacement services,” she added.
Ethan Bernard
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