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 company, which produces millions of its yellow-and-black tape measures annually, is expected to shut down its factory in New Britain, Connecticut, on May 18, according to The Wall Street Journal. Approximately 300 jobs will be affected as a result.
Reasons Behind the Closure
Stanley stated that demand has shifted away from single-sided tape measures, which were manufactured in New Britain, toward double-sided tape measures produced in Thailand. The company explored options to convert the New Britain factory to produce double-sided models but encountered technical barriers that prevented the change, current and former employees told The Wall Street Journal. Stanley reportedly said it considered all alternatives to avoid closing the facility.
Worker and Union Reactions
Pete Cayer, a former Stanley worker laid off last year, expressed surprise at the explanation. “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 newspaper. The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) called the closure “disappointing” in a March statement. “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,” said David Sullivan, the union’s eastern territory general vice president.
Company Support for Employees
In a statement to NBC Connecticut, a Stanley spokesperson said the company will support impacted employees. “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 on Tape Measures
Public opinion appears divided on whether double-sided tape measures are superior. “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,” Texas electrician Paul Bruderer told The Wall Street Journal. Conversely, Indiana woodworker Scott Bagley 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.
