By Scott Harvey
Commerce – The struggling economy hits Commerce in a big way as Zurn PEX Plumbing Systems announces it will cut over 100 jobs.
Employees learned Tuesday afternoon that the first round of layoffs will take place from May 10-23 and the second from July 17-31. Unconfirmed reports indicate a total of 108 jobs will be lost. Approximately 25-30 jobs will be kept in the areas of sales, customer service and other administrative functions.
The job cuts are blamed on the decline in the home building industry.
A long-time Zurn Employee, who wished to remain anonymous, tells KETR the announcement was definitely unexpected.
"We knew the housing market was down. We were doing well with our competitors. We thought we were doing better."
He went on to say he'll leave with no hard feelings.
"This place has been good to me."
Zurn employs individuals from several surrounding communities including the cities of Commerce, Cooper, Greenville and Sulphur Springs. The company manufactures and distributes plumbing product packages, with headquarters in Erie, Pennsylvania.