Other Articles in this Category
Most Viewed Stories
Whirlpool to reopen Ottawa plant in January
OTTAWA — Whirlpool Corp. plans to reopen the closed freezer factory in Ottawa that was formerly owned by W.C. Wood.
In a statement released during the weekend, the company said production at the plant should resume in January. How many workers it plans to hire back was not included in the statement.
About 150 people lost their jobs when W.C. Wood was placed in receivership by a Canadian court. A court approved Whirlpool’s offer to purchase the factory and assets of the Ottawa operation on Dec. 8.
Whirlpool spokeswoman Jill M. Saletta said Whirlpool on Friday sent letters to former W.C. Wood employees, outlining their timetable to reopen and saying they will need to begin staffing.
Jeff Loehrke, Ottawa’s community development director, declined comment on Sunday, saying he hadn’t yet seen Whirlpool’s statement. Speaking to Village Vouncil last week, Loehrke said the news they were hearing from Whirlpool was “encouraging.”
A large number of freezers made at the Ottawa factory under W.C. Wood were produced for Whirlpool.
Saletta said Whirlpool has contracted with Kelly Services for hiring workers. Candidates could be contacted as early as Wednesday. She also said Whirlpool would conduct a study “regarding freezer production beyond 2010, which is expected to conclude in spring, 2010. In the mean time, the company is working to ensure a smooth start up.”
No other details about Whirlpool’s plans were immediately available.
We want our site to be a place where people discuss and debate ideas that foster stronger communities. We built this for you. Please take care of it. Tolerate broad thinking, but take action against obscene or hateful material by letting us know about it at info@limanews.com. Make this a credible and safe place worth preserving and sharing.
If you have any questions about what's acceptable, please refer to our user agreement. Thanks.
