Eighty Feltex workers in Foxton lost their jobs today, as a carpet manufacturer closed the doors on its second factory this year. The company went into receivership in 2006 and was taken over by Godfrey Hirst.
As the workers left the factory, 75 years of history came to an end.
"This is the end of an era," Feltex site delegate Graham Smith said. "A lot of our father's uncles and cousins and everything have worked in this place over here."
Across the road at the local RSA there was a chance to commiserate, however the sense of loss seemed more potent than any joy to be gained from the beer flowing from the taps.
"I've been with Feltex for 33 years," Diane Corely told 3 News. "I'm not sure how I feel today. Deep down it's quite emotional."
The wider community will also suffer. The factory, which is now up for sale, was the town's biggest employer.
"For the Foxton economy, for the Horowhenua economy, it is a big body blow," National Distribution Union President Robert Reid said.
It is the latest plant to close since Feltex in Fielding in March. Some of the combined 165 workers have been fortunate enough to find employment, but for many there is uncertainty.
"It's going to take a while for us to get over it," Graham Smith says. "But as I've said to a lot of them, we have got to get on with life. It's no good dwelling, let's find a job and get on with life."
3 News
source: newshub archive
