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Midwestern

Workers left in the dark as Wescast Industries' closure plans remain unclear

Workers at Wescast Industries in Wingham are facing uncertainty as the company has provided no further communication regarding its plans to close the foundry operations.

Despite Unifor, Canada's largest private sector union, stating that Wescast had notified it of the intended closure, workers have reported receiving no information or updates from the company.

The foundry, which has been an integral part of the community for more than a century, plays a vital role in providing employment and economic stability to Wingham and its surrounding areas. However, the lack of communication from Wescast has left workers and local officials in a state of limbo.

Joel Sutton, plant chairperson for Unifor Local 4207 at Wescast, expressed his dismay at the situation.

"The notice we were given mentioned a 'temporary, but lengthy time,' but no specific timeframe was provided," he said. "We are expecting closure to happen shortly."

Sutton further expressed his frustration, stating, "It upsets me. There's business out there for us, but the way they've been managing the company and handling their programs, it's almost like they don't want to be here, and they want to move all of this work to China."

Paul Heffer, the Reeve of North Huron, confirms that he has not received any information from Wescast regarding the plant's intentions, and says that an official statement will be made once additional information is provided.

Huron County Warden Glen McNeil has been at a conference in Toronto for the last few days but he is aware of the recent news of the reported shutdown of Westcast Industries.

“The county of Huron takes this news very, very seriously. We are aware of the impact this reported shutdown will have on individuals, the local community as well as the impact it will have on the region as a whole and specifically North Huron," McNeil stated. “I would like to assure everyone that Huron County is committed to assisting and supporting the best we can along with our community partners and we will stay informed and provide support anything we can do going forward.”

-With files from Bob Montgomery

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