John Brother Holdings to spend $10.9 million, revive wood component factory

John Brothers Holdings Co. and Pennsylvania state leadership announced April 2 that Johns Brothers would spend $10.9 million to revive a shuttered closed cabinetry manufacturer in Mifflinburg, Pennsylvania, purchase its neighboring site and restart its wood components manufacturing operations under the new brand name John Brothers Wood Products. The company will reportedly retain 465 existing positions at the site and hire 78 new workers as it expands the existing site.

In a statement from the Pennsylvania governor’s office, the state said it would spend $450,000 on the project from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development in the form of a $250,000 Pennsylvania First Grant and a $200,000 WEDnetPA training grant.

According to Woodworking Network, John Bros. acquired the recently-closed Cabinetworks factory next to its own business on March 6. The new, combined plant will run 300,000 square feet and add structural components to the factory’s operation like roof and floor trusses and finished millwork.

What people are saying

“When we received the news that our neighboring business was shutting down and laying off 175 employees, we were as surprised as everyone else," said Paul D. John, President/CEO, John Brothers Holdings. "Our immediate thought was: how can we help? We started looking at whether we could put that facility and our community back to work by manufacturing products we were buying from outside sources, and whether we could build enough around that to support the investment. With input from our division managers and support from Governor Shapiro’s team, we’re finding a path forward. We're very excited to be hiring workers back. This will be a generational investment, but one we believe this community absolutely deserves."

“Pennsylvania is proving that when we compete, we win,” said Governor Shapiro. “This investment represents another major win for the future of Pennsylvania’s manufacturing sector and Union County. We’re backing our workforce, strengthening our infrastructure, and building an economy that helps businesses succeed here. My Administration will keep competing for – and winning – investments, jobs, and opportunity across the Commonwealth.”

“Today’s announcement reinforces that Pennsylvania is making strategic investments that deliver real results for our communities and our workforce,” said DCED Secretary Rick Siger. “This expansion in Mifflinburg will create 78 new jobs, retain 465 existing positions, and bring new life to a previously shuttered facility. The launch of John Brothers Wood Products strengthens Pennsylvania’s manufacturing supply chain while also creating a pathway for displaced workers to get back on the job. We’re thrilled to support companies that are growing, investing, and building long-term opportunity right here in Pennsylvania.”

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