There have been recent updates regarding American LaFrance following the sudden closure of its facilities last month. The company, a long-standing name in the fire truck manufacturing industry, shut down without prior notice, leaving hundreds of workers unemployed and customers in limbo. According to a report from WCBD TV, a class-action lawsuit has been filed on behalf of two former employees of American LaFrance, a South Carolina-based manufacturer that abruptly closed its doors earlier this week. The lawsuit claims that the employees and others were not given proper notice under the federal Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN) before their layoff on January 17, 2014. Both individuals had worked for the company for approximately 10 years. The law firm Richardson Patrick Westbrook & Brickman (RPWB) represents the employees, who allege they were left without adequate time to find new jobs or secure alternative benefits. Jay Ward, an attorney with RPWB, stated, “These employees have been left out in the cold. Not only did they lose wages and benefits, they lost the time they needed to search for new employment.” He emphasized the firm’s commitment to ensuring workers receive what they are owed. American LaFrance has yet to respond to inquiries about the WARN violation, but in a statement sent via email, the company said, “Unfortunately, the company’s unexpected current financial condition requires the discontinuation of operations in these locations at this time, and these facilities are not expected to reopen.” The closure affected plants in Moncks Corner, South Carolina; Ephrata, Pennsylvania; and Los Angeles, California, resulting in the layoff of around 150 employees. The company had recently moved its headquarters from North Charleston to Summerville in 2007, and had previously filed for bankruptcy protection in 2008 after losing $104 million over two years. From the Summerville Journal, it was reported that the company relocated from a 450,000-square-foot factory in Summerville to a smaller facility in Moncks Corner. Despite the move, the company failed to avoid its downfall, leading to the abrupt shutdown. WSOCTV.com highlighted the impact on local communities, particularly in Hickory, North Carolina, where the city had ordered a $700,000 ladder truck from American LaFrance. The truck was meant to replace an aging unit at Fire Station Three. However, the company’s closure has put the project in jeopardy. Mayor Rudy Wright expressed his shock at the news, calling it a “tremendous tragedy” for one of America’s most iconic brands. Meanwhile, Lancaster OnLine reported that American LaFrance also closed its facility in West Earl Township, Pennsylvania, along with sites in South Carolina and California. The company cited “unexpected financial struggles” as the reason for the closures but offered no further details. It also announced that customers would be able to continue receiving parts and service through a third-party vendor. With a history dating back more than 170 years, American LaFrance once built some of the most advanced fire apparatus in the country. Its legacy includes hand-drawn, horse-drawn, and steam-powered fire engines. Despite its storied past, the company struggled financially in recent years, leading to declining production and eventual closure. As the dust settles, many are left wondering what the future holds for the once-great brand. Employees, customers, and collectors alike are hoping for a resolution, while the legal battle continues. Thanks, Dan.

Stainless Steel Horse Riding Card

Stainless Steel Horse Riding Card,Universal Pipe Clamp With Riding Clamp,Seiko Stainless Steel Hoop Riding Card,Cycling Card Saddle Clamp Hose Fastener

Taizhou HuaChi Stainless Steel Products Co.,Ltd , https://www.tzhuachi.com

June 26, 2025