Tough times: Huber lays off 28

“Due to the ongoing worldwide financial crisis and the significant downturn in the U.S. housing market which have adversely affected our business, we have unfortunately had to lay off 28 of our employees at the Huber Engineered Woods LLC (HEW) plant in Commerce,” said Robert Currie, vice president and chief communications and public affairs officer. “A decision like this is never easy — especially in view of the overall job market. Huber Engineered Woods has made every effort possible to avoid this action. However, the drastic decline in housing starts and overall economic downturn has created unprecedented challenges to Huber and the overall housing industry.”

The plant has continued to manufacture its flooring, decking and other products used primarily in homebuilding, but sales could not keep apace with production as the homebuilding industry across America has come to a virtual halt.

Currie stressed the difficulty in making the cuts.

“This action is in no way a reflection on the work that was performed by the terrific people we will be losing,” Currie said by email. “Our company considers layoffs a last resort, and we are saddened by the fact that this was action was necessary.”

The plant will continue to operate with a staff of 86.