Wilsonart Restructuring Amid Construction Slump

Temple, TX, Oct. 13, 2009--Wilsonart International announced Monday a company restructuring, with staff cuts up to about 10 percent nationwide.

Initially, Wilsonart will offer a retirement incentive to eligible employees and a voluntary, early-out option for all other workers.

The layoffs are necessary because 2009 is shaping up to be the laminate and floor manufacturing giant's worst year this decade.

Bill DiGaetano, president of Wilsonart International in North America, said he expects to see little recovery before the end of 2010 because Wilsonart is closely tied to the residential and commercial construction markets, which are in a prolonged slump.

"When the market does return, we believe that it will be at a reduced level from all-time highs of the past several decades," DiGaetano said. "It is important that we structure our company to meet this new, reduced opportunity."

According to the company's Monday press release, after the early-out option period has been evaluated, Wilsonart will consider if it needs to trim more staff.