| The Selma Times-Journal has reported that the Selma plant, which makes cushions, has been purchased by Home Casual LLC of Fitchburg, Wisconsin. The news is not so good for Wadley though, where they made the furniture. Penny Pool, writing for the Randolph Leader, has the most complete story. Wadley workers are already getting their household water turned off, and ADECA has sent in their Rapid Response Team, headed by Mr. Allan Friday, to assist the workers in the transition from gainful employment to State Assistance in the form of unemployment compensation, health coverage for their children, and possible job training. The Wadley Plant would be a real bargain despite its debts. Once in bankruptcy, the plant will be available at fire sale prices, and it is still a highly profitable operation. Reportedly, Mr. Sam Blount, Chairman of Meadowcraft, is in talks with a Texas firm that expressed some interest. In 1994 Meadowcraft added a 660,000-square-foot manufacturing and distribution facility to its existing operation in Wadley, Alabama. The company also completed a 500,000-square-foot distribution center on Birmingham's Carson Road in early 1995 and a 160,000-square-foot addition to that center later in the year. This facility was adjacent to the company's newest expansion, a 350,000-square-foot factory near company offices off Pinson Valley Parkway. from Meadowcraft, Inc. Company History
Trading Markets quotes State Rep. Richard Laird (D) who represents Chambers, Clay, and Randolph Counties: "The figures show that Meadowcraft brought in 147 million worth of business last year and that they had a longer backlog of orders this year"
Meadowcraft has a distinguished history, and has been a real Alabama success story. Maintaining that "the dealer is always right," McTyeire once reportedly accepted a return shipment of wrought iron furniture made by a competitor, from a dissatisfied dealer who mistook the furniture for Meadowcraft. Rather than returning the shipment to the dealer, McTyeire saw to it that the pieces were refurbished and returned to the dealer, with an explanation, at no charge. Of course, that dealer was duly impressed with Meadowcraft as were many other dealers over the years.
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