Haworth will offer voluntary severance packages to 400 employees impacted by the changes, the company announced Thursday.
The Douglas plant, at 200 Blue Star Highway, will close by the first quarter of 2014. Its closure is part of a series of production changes designed to streamline operations and improve products.
Operations at the Douglas facility will transition to the company's Holland plant, at 3700 32nd St SE. That will result in operations at that facility moving to an existing Haworth Steel Plant in Big Rapids, at 300 N. Bronson Ave. The move is expected to be completed by mid-2013.
Haworth will convert the current wet coat paint line in the Holland plant to a powder coat line. The switch-over involves a significant investment in new equipment but will provide customers with a more attractive and environmentally-friendly product, the company said.
"A critical consideration during the planning of these production changes has been the impact on Haworth members, who will have several options as this process unfolds," the company said in a statement.
The 400 employees impacted by the change at the Holland or Douglas plants will have the option of taking a voluntary severance package or working in another position or plant.
Haworth said it is "working hard to put measures in place that should result in no involuntary elimination of any Haworth member’s employment."
The company remains committed to the West Michigan community, said CEO Franco Bianchi.
“I am proud that the Haworth family has remained steadfast in the commitment to stay in West Michigan and North America as they continue to invest and provide our customers with a zero-landfill, best-in-class, sustainable product solution,” Bianchi said.
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