Employment Law

Spinrite to Shut Down Listowel Facility After 73 Years

Three balls of yarn are clumped together, with a a light grey thread extending from one.

What’s Going on at Spinrite?

Spinrite is set to close its longtime manufacturing facility and retail store in Listowel, affecting approximately 140 workers, according to a statement from the Municipality of North Perth.

  • The closure marks the end of 73 years of operations in the small Ontario town, where Spinrite has served as a major employer and popular destination for yarn enthusiasts.
  • An exact date for the shutdown has not been announced.

North Perth Mayor Todd Kasenberg expressed concern for the displaced workers, noting:

“It is indeed sad and unfortunate news to learn that a long staple of our manufacturing base, Spinrite, is discontinuing its 70-plus year manufacturing effort in Listowel.”

Official Statements and Community Response

Support For Workers: Mayor Kasenberg said Spinrite leadership has committed to transition supports and severance pay for affected staff.

  • The Municipality is collaborating with Spinrite to assist displaced workers and is exploring retraining and reskilling initiatives through its Set7 program.
  • Discussions with the provincial government are underway to identify additional funding and support opportunities.

Remaining Operations: Some administrative, marketing, and sales roles will remain in North Perth, though manufacturing will cease entirely.

Long-term Outlook: Kasenberg emphasized the municipality’s commitment to economic renewal, saying they are “dedicated to pursuing new economic and investment opportunities” to stabilize employment in the region.

About Spinrite

Founded in 1952 by David Hay, Spinrite has grown into one of North America’s largest yarn producers, known for brands like Bernat, Patons, and Caron.

  • The Listowel site was both a production facility and retail destination, especially known for its annual yarn tent sale, drawing tourists and fiber artists from across the country.

Next Steps for Spinrite Employees

If you’re affected by the closure and staff reduction at Spinrite, understanding your legal rights is crucial.

Non-unionized employees in Ontario’s manufacturing sector are entitled to severance pay based on a variety of factors, including their role, tenure, age, and ability to find similar work.

ℹ️ Want a quick overview on severance pay? Watch the video below or check out the full episode in our TV section.

Here’s What You Need to Know

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

💡You Have Rights!
For a broader understanding of your severance rights, use our Pocket Employment Lawyer to get real-time insights.


Lost Your Job at Spinrite? Contact Us

If you’ve lost your job at Spinrite for any reason, the experienced employment law team at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP can help.

Our employment lawyers for Kitchener 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.

⛔  UNIONIZED?
You must consult your union representative regarding termination, severance pay, and other workplace issues. These matters are governed by your collective bargaining agreement. By law, employment lawyers can’t represent unionized employees with these issues.

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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.

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