The former Durham Furniture plant in Chesley, Ont., which has been close for years, will reopen and employ 300 workers.
Located in Bruce County, the plant has been purchased by GSR Hardwood Flooring Distribution. According to published reports, GSR is based in China, but its website says GRS Hardwood Flooring is a Toronto-based hardwood flooring distributor with a 44,000 sq. ft. warehouse there that stocks more than 150 different products.
Larry Miller, the MP for Bruce Grey Owen Sound, calls this the best news he has heard in a long time and that the area needs the jobs no matter where the company is from.
GSR will start hiring immediately. Mayor Paul Eagleson has been quoted as saying the new owners plan to hire 50 workers immediately and in time are expected to employ 300.
GSR Hardwood Flooring Distribution currently operates two plants in China with a total of 500 workers and the aforementioned Toronto warehouse facility.
The Durham furniture plant has been closed since 2008.
