Stanley Black & Decker, a quintessential American tool company, is closing a major U.S. plant in part due to lower demand for its iconic, single-sided tape measures. The factory, located in New Britain, Connecticut, is expected to shut down on May 18, impacting about 300 jobs, according to The Wall Street Journal.
Reasons for Closure
The company cited lower demand for single-sided tape measures, which were produced in New Britain, and higher demand for its double-sided tape measures made in Thailand. Stanley considered options to have the New Britain factory produce the two-sided measuring tapes but faced technical barriers that prevented the efforts, current and former Stanley workers told The WSJ. The company reportedly said it explored all alternatives to avoid closing the factory.
Worker and Union Reactions
Pete Cayer, a Stanley worker who was laid off last year, said he had not heard about the single-sided tape measure concerns. “There has never been a point in time where we ever heard anything about there being an issue with single-sided vs. double-sided,” he told The WSJ. The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers called the factory’s closure “disappointing” in a March statement. David Sullivan, the union’s eastern territory general vice president, said: “The IAM Union is deeply disappointed by Stanley Black & Decker’s announcement to close its manufacturing plant in New Britain, Conn., a move that will devastate hundreds of hardworking IAM Local 1433 members and the broader community that has supported this company for generations.”
Company Support
In a statement to NBC Connecticut, a Stanley spokesperson said the company will support the employees impacted by the closure. “We are focused on supporting impacted employees through this transition, including providing options for employment at other facilities, severance, and job placement support services for both salaried and hourly employees,” the spokesperson said.
Public Opinion Divided
Public opinion appears to be split on whether the double-sided tape measures are superior, according to The WSJ. Texas electrician Paul Bruderer said: “A single-sided tape measure works 90% of the time, but anytime you’re on a construction site, saving that other 10% is worth the cost.” However, Scott Bagley, a woodworker from Indiana, said: “I can’t think of a single situation where a double-sided tape measure would have given me any kind of advantage in the last 20 years.” The Independent has contacted Stanley Black & Decker for comment.
