Eastlake, OH – A major manufacturing employer in Lake County is set to shut its doors, leaving 150 workers without jobs as Conn-Selmer Inc. announced plans to permanently close its Eastlake facility.
According to a WARN notice issued Thursday, the company informed state and local officials that the plant at 34199 Curtis Blvd. will cease operations by June 30. All 150 employees are expected to be terminated on or after that date, including 130 workers represented by UAW Local 2359.
Conn-Selmer cited ongoing financial struggles as the primary reason for the closure, pointing to repeated annual losses and challenges competing with overseas manufacturers. Company officials said efforts to stabilize operations included investing millions into productivity improvements, outsourcing unprofitable product lines, and negotiating with union leadership. Despite those measures, the facility continued to operate at a loss.
The shutdown marks a significant economic hit for Eastlake and the surrounding Lake County area, where the plant has long served as a local employer in the musical instrument manufacturing industry. Conn-Selmer is known for producing band and orchestral instruments under several well-known brand names.
Local officials, including Lake County commissioners and Eastlake’s mayor, were notified as part of the federally mandated Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification process. The notice also stated that no “bumping rights” will be available, meaning all union-represented employees will be laid off simultaneously.
State and local workforce agencies are expected to assist displaced workers with job placement services and retraining opportunities in the coming months.
The closure adds to broader concerns about manufacturing competitiveness and job retention across Northeast Ohio.
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