Norandex branch closings won't impact workers here

Hudson -- Norandex, a distributor of building materials, plans to close 36 branches by the end of the year across the U.S. because of weak business or proximately to other branches.

However, the company also plans to add an unspecified number of locations where business is strong, said Mike Horgan, Norandex communications specialist.

"We'll be adding additional people, delivery equipment and moving into some larger facilitates," he said.

The closings will not impact the number of employees at the Hudson location on Executive Parkway, Horgan said. In Hudson some employees will be taking on different job duties, but the number of employees will remain the same.

"We're excited to stay in Hudson," Horgan said. "It's a great community, and we're proud to be a part of it."

Horgan did not provide a specific number of people who will be laid off because of the 36 store closings.

Some have been offered positions at different locations. Others have been offered severance packages or outplacements services to help them find other employment, according to Horgan.

"It's not just a cost-cutting exercise," Horgan said. "We looked at what areas are not profitable and will take the savings from restructuring to reinvest in the company."

Each branch has approximately five employees, he said.

Norandex will continue to operate more than 100 branches across the U.S. that stock and sell building materials to professional builders and contractors, Horgan said.

Norandex, once known for only selling windows and siding, has expanded into other products such as doors, roofing, shutters and decking.

Horgan said Norandex is cautiously optimistic about business in 2011.

"It won't be a recovery where a light switch is turned on and business is flowing, but this restructuring will allow us to take advantage of opportunities," Horgan said. "We anticipate steady growth next year and in the next five years."