Feb 16, 2018
As the company continues to optimize its existing distribution network and position itself for long-term growth, Southwire announced that it will close its customer service center (CSC) in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin.
“The decision to close our Pleasant Prairie CSC was not made easily nor taken lightly, and it is in no way an indication of the facility’s performance or a reflection on the people at Pleasant Prairie,” said Kurt Hennelly, executive vice president of distribution, sourcing and manufacturing strategy. “As our organization grows in size and complexity, we must continuously reevaluate our operations to ensure that we remain competitive in the marketplace and deliver value to the customers and communities that depend on us.”Southwire plans to relocate the Pleasant Prairie CSC operations, including equipment and inventory, to its existing distribution facilities located in the U.S. and Toronto, Canada. This transition is expected to begin in the summer months and should conclude by the end of November.“To position Southwire for long-term success, we are working to optimize and emphasize service across the entire organization,” said Hennelly. “By leveraging our geographic locations and taking full advantage of our existing distribution network, we will be positioned to more readily and effectively meet our customers’ needs throughout North America.”Eligible employees at the Pleasant Prairie CSC will have the opportunity to bid on open positions at other Southwire locations, and those individuals who do not wish to transfer to another Southwire location will receive severance packages.“These types of decisions are never easy, and we thank our employees in Pleasant Prairie for their years of dedicated service,” said Rich Stinson, Southwire’s president and CEO. “Above all else, we are committed to the well-being of our employees, and we will work to ensure that those affected by this announcement are treated with dignity and respect. Though this may seem like a difficult way to start the new year, I look forward to Southwire’s future.”©2018 Southwire Company, LLC. All Rights Reserved