“U.S. Economy is Responsible for That Closure”: Cornwall Furniture Plant Shutdown Leaves 300 Jobless

What’s Happening at Ridgewood Industries?

Ridgewood Industries, a longtime Cornwall-based furniture manufacturer, will permanently close its doors this September, ending operations after 55 years and cutting 300 jobs.

• Parent company Dorel Industries cited a strategic shift as the reason behind the closure, calling it “the only feasible course of action to return to profitability.”
• The decision is seen as an early warning of deeper economic fallout tied to U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods.

In an interview with CBC News, Cornwall Mayor Justin Towndale said Dorel’s CEO made it clear:

Community Fallout

• Towndal described the layoff as “significant” and “generational”, with entire families having worked at Ridgewood over decades.
• Angela Bero, general manager of the Cornwall and Area Chamber of Commerce, called the news “heartbreaking,” adding:

Trade Tensions and Local Risk

Cornwall’s economic vulnerability is heightened by its status as a border city, with one in three businesses relying on cross-border trade.

• U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened a 35% tariff on all Canadiadn goods starting Aug. 1, after initially proposing and walking back a 25% tariff earlier this year.
• Though the city had so far been spared, Towndale now says impacts are emerging:

In response, Cornwall is:

• Rewriting procurement policies to prioritize Canadian-made and local goods.
• Working with Employment Ontario, which has activated rapid re-employment and training support for displaced Ridgewood workers.

Local MPP Nolan Quinn said:

Next Steps for Ridgewood Industries Employees

If you’re fired or let go from Ridgewood Industries or Dorel Industries, understanding your legal rights is crucial.

Non-unionized employees in Canada are entitled to severance pay. This includes individuals working full-time, part-time, or hourly in Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia (BC).

The amount you’re owed is based on a variety of factors, including your role, tenure, age, and ability to find similar work.

📺 WATCH: Everything Non-Unionized Employees Need to Know About Severance Pay

Key Severance Facts:

• Compensation: Severance packages in Canada, which can be as much as 24 months’ pay, must include benefits, salary, bonuses, commissions, and other forms of compensation. Use our firm’s free Severance Pay Calculator to better understand your entitlements.
• Deadlines: You have up to 2 years from the date of your termination to review and negotiate severance offers.
• Action steps: Consult an employment lawyer at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP to ensure your severance package is fair and aligns with Canadian employment laws.

Contact An Employment Lawyer

The experienced employment law team at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP can help.

Our employment lawyers in Ottawa serving Cornwall and Eastern Ontario have helped tens of thousands of non-unionized individuals resolve their workplace issues.

Call us today at 1-855-821-5900 or request a consultation online.

Disclaimer: The materials above are provided as general information about the rights of non-unionized employees in Canada. It is not specific to any one company and SHOULD NOT be read as suggesting any improper conduct on the part of any specific employer, or a relationship between Samfiru Tumarkin LLP and a specific employer.