Nearly 140 jobs eliminated as Besse Forest subsidiaries in Wisconsin shut down

MATTOON, Wis. (WSAW) – Several Wisconsin subsidiaries of Besse Forest Products – including ones in Marinette and Shawano counties – are closing, according to notices filed with the state.

WLUK-TV reports there are 48 jobs being eliminated at Goodman Veneer & Lumber in Goodman, and 42 positions lost at Wisconsin Veneer and Plywood in Mattoon, and 46 jobs lost at Birchwood Manufacturing in Rice Lake.

The closures are effective immediately, the letters from Chief Restructuring Officer Timothy Turek state.

“We are sorry we were not able to give you more notice. However, due to an unprecedented industry downturn, it has recently become clear to the company that the revenues of the company will no longer support its operations. After exploring restructuring alternatives, we have determined that Goodman Veneer and Lumber will cease operations. Therefore, we are providing as much notice of the closing as is practicable in the circumstances, pursuant to federal and state WARN laws,” one notice states. “The Company anticipates this to be a permanent closing of the entire site.”

WLUK-TV reached out to Besse for additional details. No one answered the phone at the company headquarters.

The company’s website says it is based on Gladstone, Mich., and was acquired earlier this year by Hoffman Family of Companies.

The company says it is a “leading manufacturer of high quality Northern hardwood veneer, lumber, and specialty plywood for cabinets, doors, flooring, furniture, industrial pallets, millwork, musical instruments, railroad ties, sporting goods, wall panels, windows, and other wood products used worldwide.”

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