LISTOWEL – A business that has long been associated with the identity of the town of Listowel, Spinrite announced on June 3 that it will be closing its doors locally.
The Listowel Banner confirmed on June 3, through correspondence with Spinrite Inc. Vice-President of Human Resources Lindsay Beharry that both the manufacturing facility and retail outlet store in Listowel will close.
“Spinrite Inc. has made the difficult decision to close the manufacturing facility and retail outlet store in Listowel,” Beharry said in an email to the Banner. “This decision was not made lightly and reflects the need to ensure long-term business sustainability in a highly competitive global market.”
She further stated that Spinrite will maintain a presence in Listowel as the office and Listowel Distribution Centre will remain open to facilitate Canadian distribution.
In a subsequent email, Beharry said the tariffs between the U.S and Canada were not a factor in this decision. She added that production will be distributed among the company’s existing supply base overseas after Listowel’s closing.
“We are deeply grateful for the dedication, hard work, and commitment of the Listowel manufacturing and retail team, past and present, whose contributions have played a significant role in our company’s history,” Beharry said. “We recognize the impact this decision has on our team members and the community, and we are committed to supporting those affected through this transition.”
There were 135 staff members impacted by this decision.
Spinrite has remained under the co-ownership of American companies Comvest Partners and JW Levin Management Partners, since 2018.
Founded in 1952 by David Hay under the original name of Maitland Spinning Mills, Spinrite grew to become North America’s largest marketer of craft yarn and thread.
In 2010, Spinrite launched its e-commerce business under the website of Yarnspirations.com.
Spinrite purchased the Caron brand from National Spinning the following year, adding new products to its portfolio. Additional products were acquired when Spinrite purchased Coats & Clark, which included brands such as Red Heart, Coats & Clark, Aunt Lydia and Susan Bates.
Today, Spinrite products are sold by leading retailers such as Walmart, Amazon, and Michaels.
A press release from the Municipality of North Perth referred to Spinrite as “a valued corporation, a major employer, and a destination for many through its annual yarn sale.”
“It is indeed sad and unfortunate news to learn that a long staple of our manufacturing base, Spinrite, is discontinuing its 70-plus year manufacturing effort in Listowel,” North Perth Mayor Todd Kasenberg stated in the release. “My concern and heart reaches out to the approximately 140 employees who will soon be out of work. I have spoken to Spinrite officials, who have committed to helping these employees with transition supports and severance pay.”
Municipal officials expressed appreciation some of Spinrite’s administrative, marketing, and sales roles will remain in North Perth.
“I am saddened to learn that the store will also close, though on a timeline different than the factory closure. The summer Yarn sale was a big part of our local festivities,” Kasenberg said. “The municipality will be assertive in supporting those affected and continues to work to bolster our economic base. We will explore ramping up some programming at Set7 to support those seeking retraining and reskilling, and talk with the province about various opportunities that might involve their pockets.”
The release stated, the municipality is actively collaborating with Spinrite to support affected individuals and remains dedicated to pursuing new economic and investment opportunities to ensure future growth and employment stability for North Perth.
Additionally, Perth-Wellington MPP Matthew Rae shared his concerns and support in a social media post.
“It is disappointing to learn about Spinrite moving their manufacturing production out of Listowel and closing their retail store,” he wrote. “Spinrite has been an integral part of the community in Listowel for over 70 years. My thoughts are with the employees effected by this decision. I have spoken with the Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. My office and our provincial government will be there to support workers through this transition.”
