Stanley Black & Decker, a quintessential American tool company, is closing down a major U.S. plant in part due to lower demand for its iconic, single-sided tape measures. The factory in New Britain, Connecticut, which produced millions of yellow-and-black tape measures annually, is expected to shut down on May 18, according to The Wall Street Journal. About 300 jobs are being eliminated as a result.
Shift in Demand
Stanley cited lower demand for single-sided tape measures, which were manufactured in New Britain, and higher demand for its double-sided tape measures made in Thailand. The company explored options to produce double-sided tapes at the New Britain facility but faced technical barriers that prevented the transition, current and former workers told The WSJ. Stanley reportedly said it considered all alternatives before deciding to close the factory.
Worker and Union Reactions
Pete Cayer, a former Stanley employee laid off last year, expressed surprise at the explanation. “There has never been a point in time where we ever heard anything about there being an issue with single-sided vs. double-sided,” he told The WSJ. The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) called the closure “disappointing” in a March statement. David Sullivan, the union’s eastern territory general vice president, said: “The IAM Union is deeply disappointed by Stanley Black & Decker’s announcement to close its manufacturing plant in New Britain, Conn., a move that will devastate hundreds of hardworking IAM Local 1433 members and the broader community that has supported this company for generations.”
Company Support and Public Opinion
In a statement to NBC Connecticut, a Stanley spokesperson said the company will support affected employees. “We are focused on supporting impacted employees through this transition, including providing options for employment at other facilities, severance, and job placement support services for both salaried and hourly employees,” the spokesperson said. Public opinion remains divided on the superiority of double-sided tape measures. Texas electrician Paul Bruderer told The WSJ: “A single-sided tape measure works 90% of the time, but anytime you’re on a construction site, saving that other 10% is worth the cost.” Conversely, Indiana woodworker Scott Bagley said: “I can’t think of a single situation where a double-sided tape measure would have given me any kind of advantage in the last 20 years.” The Independent has contacted Stanley Black & Decker for comment.
