Bright Wood lays off 211 at Redmond, Madras factories

Represents one-fifth of workforce; hope to recall workers if economy recovers

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — One of Central Oregon’s largest manufacturers, Bright Wood Corp., has laid off more than 200 workers this spring amid a sharp downturn in customer demand triggered by the coronavirus pandemic.

The wood products producer notified state employment officials last week of layoffs that started in March and finished May 1, The Oregonian/OregonLive reported. The cutbacks eliminated 211 employees from factories in Redmond and Madras that previously employed over 1,000 people.

Bright Wood, based in Madras, makes wood components for windows and doors and also has facilities in Prineville and in New Zealand. The company indicated it plans to recall its workers if the economy recovers.

Oregon has recorded more than 380,000 jobless claims since the coronavirus outbreak hit in March. Bars, hotels, restaurants, retailers and health care providers represented the largest share of initial cuts, reflecting direct impacts from Oregon’s stay-home order and cutbacks in medical services.