Sikeston business closing doors, 16 out of jobs

SIKESTON, Mo. -- An employer relatively new to Sikeston will be closing its doors in August, leaving its 16 employees looking for new jobs.

On Thursday, the city of Sikeston received notification Philips Products Inc., a window and door company that opened in mid-2007 in Sikeston, plans to close the plant Aug. 5.

"After multiple attempts for the sale of Philips Products Inc. over the last 15 months have proved futile, Tomkins PLC informed the management of Philips Products that Philips would be closed," according to a news release dated June 3 from Philips Products, "in the best longterm interests for Tomkins PLC."

Philips is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tomkins PLC, a British management company, which also owns the Gates Rubber plants in Charleston and Poplar Bluff.

On Thursday, WARN -- Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act -- notices were given to the majority of Philips' 675 employees, including the 16 at the local plant, which is located in the old Essex complex on East Malone.

"We didn't have any warning -- in fact, we just received the rent check," said Ed Dust, director of Sikeston's Department of Economic Development.

Dust pointed out the products manufactured by Philips -- doors and windows for the MH/RV and residential commercial markets -- are in a slumping industry and "it's just been bad," based on the economy.

"This decision is not a reflection upon the employees of Philips as all employees have continued to 'do the right things' while providing high levels of customer service and quality products during what have recently been very challenging times," Philips Products President Ron Mason stated in the news release.

The news release also added that Philips management will work with state and local agencies in the six states where Philips Products has most recently operated, to lessen the impact the decision has on the employees and their families.

Dust did point out that, overall, Sikeston has weathered the economic storm quite well.

"Although the 16 jobs and losing Philips is tough, we are still much better off than a lot of communities that have lost large industries, where it has really put a strain on the economy," said Dust. "And we also have Orgill (set to open in August) that is hiring 200 employees to staff its new facility."

And he and the city of Sikeston will work to fill the city-owned building once it becomes vacant, as well as bring more industry to the town.

"You're always sorry, no matter how large or small, to lose companies out of your community," said Dust. "We'll just continue working and trying to get others here."