GLADSTONE — The Gladstone location of Besse Forest Products has closed its doors.

“All the employees lost their jobs over the last month or so,” said Delta County Commissioner Steve Viau during a county board of commissioners meeting.

Viau, who also serves on the Michigan Works! board, encouraged the displaced workers to seeks assistance from Michigan Works! for vocational training, resume assistance, and job searches.

“Some of them have been there for 25 years. I had one just call me up and he’s just devastated,” said Viau.

After more than 60 years of local ownership and being headquartered in Gladstone, Besse Forest Products Group was sold in March to Hoffmann Family of Companies, a multi-sector conglomerate with a presence in 30 countries and stakes in industries like aviation, financial services, real estate and hospitality.

At the time of the sale, HFOC said the acquisition would complement its existing millwork operations through Ferche Millwork, which produces moldings and veneered millwork. Ferche, which was based in Rice, Minn., was acquired buy HFOC in August of 2021.

HFOC said in March that the two operations would give HFOC over 2 million square feet of production facilities and a workforce of more than 1,400 people in wood products manufacturing.

“We are excited to partner with Besse as they enter a new chapter under the Hoffmann Family of Companies umbrella,” said Geoff Hoffmann, Co-CEO of HFOC in a press release announcing the acquisition of Besse in March. “Our commitment to growth and excellence in manufacturing drives every decision we make. With the acquisition of Besse Forest Products Group, we’re not just expanding our footprint but building on a legacy that spans generations.”

In August, just a few months after the sale, three Besse plants in Wisconsin shut their doors. On Aug. 1, notices were sent out stating that the plants in Matton, Rice Lake, and Goodman, Wis. would close Aug. 2.

“We are sorry we were not able to give you more notice. However, due to an unprecedented industry downturn, it has recently become clear to the company that the revenues of the company will no longer support its operations. After exploring restructuring alternatives, we have determined that Goodman Veneer and Lumber will cease operations. Therefore, we are providing as much notice of the closing as is practicable in the circumstances, pursuant to federal and state WARN laws,” the notice announcing the closure of the Goodman plant read.

In total, 139 people were laid off as a result of the closures.

According to the Green Bay Press Gazette, the North Central States Regional Council of Carpenters, a union representing some of the Mattoon workers, filed a complaint with the Wisconsin Department of Justice on Aug. 2. The union says the notices were a violation of the Wisconsin’s Business Closing and Mass Layoff Law, which requires 60 days notice of an employment site being shut down if the company employs 50 or more people in Wisconsin.

Within days of the Wisconsin closures, numerous reports were received by the Daily Press indicating that Besse Forest Products’ Gladstone location was vacant. Multiple requests for comment from HFOC and Besse Forest Products Group went unanswered.