MasterBrand Closes AUburn Facility Abruptly, 445 Laid Off

AUBURN -- Jasper-based MasterBrand Cabinets has abruptly closed a plant in Auburn, laying off 445 employees in that area.

The Opelika – Auburn News reports the company says the move reflects market conditions and a change in consumer tastes.

The plant officially closed it’s doors on Tuesday with no prior notice.Employees were shocked to hear the news around 10 a.m. Tuesday.

MasterBrand says it will assist affected employees in their search to find new jobs.

Auburn’s mayor, Bill Ham says he was shocked by the news.

MasterBrand, in a statement released following the closing, said QUOTE..

“MasterBrand Cabinets, Inc. has continued to see market conditions and consumer tastes change over the last few years…

.. adding the closure will improve operational efficiencies while addressing those market changes.”