UPDATE: Medtec facilities will close in Goshen, White Pigeon

January 06, 2011|WSBT-TV Report

A manufacturing company with operations in two local communities announced Thursday it will close its doors, leaving more people without jobs.

WSBT learned nearly 200 people will lose their jobs over the next two months. Employees of Medtec Ambulance Corporation were told Thursday the company's facilities in Goshen and White Pigeon will close by March.

Operations are being consolidated with a sister company, Pierce, in Florida. The phase-out is expected to be completed by the end of March.

Waiter Kyle Stutzman makes a living from the lunch and dinner crowd working at Peterson's Steak and Seafood House. A lot his business comes from the company right next door: Medtec.

"At least once or twice a week there are many groups that come here, many regulars that we know," Stutzman said. “…It is going to be really hard on our business too. We will definitely see an effect from that as well."

Pierce makes fire and emergency vehicles. This consolidation means Pierce will now make ambulances as well.

175 Medtec employees were informed Thursday they will lose their jobs.

- 45 people at the Goshen corporate headquarters

- 60 at the Goshen manufacturing plant

- 70 people at the White pigeon manufacturing plant

"When a business closes down anywhere it is not good news," says Chamber President David Daugherty. He says one business closure, like Medtec, can have a ripple effect.

Trent Hostetler sells garage doors. The company he works for, Hostetler Door, Inc., is next to Medtec and has done work for the business — not anymore.

"To have people that you know are working next door to you, it is tough to know they are going to lose their jobs," Hostetler said.

The 175 employees will be able to apply for positions in Florida, and according to the company spokesperson, severance packages are available.

Stay with WSBT-TV, WSBT.com and the South Bend Tribune for more on this story.

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