Letter to Jim Arthurs, President & CEO of Institutional Casework Inc. - Schumer, Gillibrand urge Institutional Casework Inc. to reverse course and halt closure of Jamestown metal products; senators call for company to work with local leaders to protect jobs and surrounding community

Letter

Dear Mr. Arthurs,

We write to express our grave concern at the situation that has unfolded at Jamestown Metal Products in Jamestown, NY. The decision of Institutional Casework Inc., as the parent company of Jamestown Metal Products, to close the facility and put nearly 80 workers out of a job will affect them, their families, and the local community. Since there is a new labor agreement and the original closure deadline has since past, we implore you to reconsider this alarming and hasty decision, and continue to make use of this historic facility and dedicated workforce.

While we recognize the company must adapt to the current economic climate and the devastating impact of the pandemic, the closure of a plant and layoff of skilled union labor is a bridge too far and should be reconsidered given the tremendous capacity that exists at this site, not to mention the impressive productivity of its workers. Jamestown Metal Products has been operating at this plant since World War II. The partnership with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW) has yielded some of the finest quality stainless steel commercial products.

The human cost of closing this plant, as well as the economic impact to the surrounding area, are reasons enough to find a more sensible solution to any challenges Jamestown Metal Products or Institutional Casework Inc. may face. Both of us, as well as local leaders across the region, stand ready to work with you to reverse the decision to close this facility and instead protect the jobs of these skilled workers and the legacy of Jamestown Metal Products while strengthening the competitiveness of the company.

We look forward to working productively and collaboratively with you to find a solution to this critical situation. Please feel free to reach out to our offices with any ideas or questions that you may have.

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