In May, news broke of a Minnesota factory that would soon be closing its doors. Cloquet, MN was known as "The City of Wood Industries," primarily because of a factory that has been around since 1904, and was home to Diamond brand products, such as matches and toothpicks.
In April, Newell Brands, which has an extensive portfolio with signature brands, such as Paper Mate, Sharpie, and Rubbermaid, sold part of its business to Royal Oak Enterprises, the manufacturer known for charcoal and grilling products. Georgia-based Royal Oak purchased Newell's Pine Mountain fire starter and fire log business, as well as the Diamond brand that also includes fire starters, lighters, clothespins, and clotheslines.
While Royal Oak was interested in the toothpicks and matches, the factory in Cloquet wasn't a part of the plan. In May, the 85 workers still employed at the plant found out that the facility would be closing its doors within six months. The factory made it almost exactly three months.
On Monday, July 31, 2017, the plant closed its doors for the final time. Many of the workers have sought help under the U.S. Department of Labor's Trade Adjustment Assistance for Dislocated Workers program, which helps with training, job search, and relocation allowances, as well as other employment services.
Newell, which still owned the building, was reportedly looking for a buyer for the shuttered plant in May.
I reached out to Newell Brands which released the following statement, “As a result of Newell Brands’ sale of Diamond matches and toothpicks and other businesses to Royal Oaks Enterprises LLC in April, the Company made the difficult decision to close its Cloquet manufacturing facility, which became effective on July 31. We have been a proud partner in Cloquet for years and are committed to ensuring ample resources and support for the employees affected.”
A new tenant has yet to be been found.