Merillat Particleboard Plant To Close By End Of Summer

157 Merillat Particleboard Plant workers will lose their jobs in September when the Rapid City factory closes.

Merillat workers were told Monday morning that the Rapid City plant, which has made kitchen cabinets since 1984, is a victim of the collapsed housing market.  Susan Cross, a spokesperson for the parent company Masco Builder Cabinet Group, says even if the new home industry rebounds, the Rapid City plant will not reopen.

Cross also said there are no announced plans at this time as to what the company will do with the property.

Cross said that every worker will get a severance package and the company will help with job search resources. 

At one time, the plant employed about 300 workers but the workforce always fluctuated depending upon the housing market.