NORTHWOOD, Iowa – After Fieldstone Company left Northwood in 1999, the town was resigned to losing 400 jobs and a number of families.

Friday, April 20, 2001

NORTHWOOD, Iowa – After Fieldstone Company left Northwood in 1999, the town was resigned to losing 400 jobs and a number of families. But, thanks to Northwood Doors, Inc., the jobs lost by Fieldstone are quickly being replaced.

Northwood Doors, Inc, a company specializing in cabinetry and wood products, is doubling its manufacturing capacity. The company announced Thursday that it will add 60 full-time production jobs and another shift, said spokesman Dave Tygart.

With the expansion, the company will grow to more than 100 full-time employees, said Tygart. Adding another shift will require an aggressive effort to recruit workers at a starting wage of $9.25 per hour plus a $200 new-hire bonus, he said.

&uot;We’re hoping to put a second shift on the floor in two weeks,&uot; Tygart said. &uot;After some orientation and training of new hires, we’re anxious to get started as soon as possible.&uot;

Tygart said the Northwood Doors facility has the capacity to hire as many as 300 new employees to fill the Fieldstone facility. All the new positions include full health and dental benefits after 90 days of employment.

&uot;We are making some capitol expenditures for new equipment for the expansion,&uot; said Tygart. &uot;We think this is a huge development for the town of Northwood.&uot;

The company is also offering a $250 referral bonus for current employees who bring in new recruits, Tygart said.

&uot;We’re offering an extremely competitive wage for the area. We hope to gain some long-term employees for the future of the facility,&uot; Tygart said.

Northwood Doors began producing cabinets in December of 1999. According to Tygart, the company produces custom cabinets and parts for individual customers, institutional construction projects and retailers like Home Depot.

&uot;We are growing as a company, and Northwood stands to benefit from that growth,&uot; said Tygart. &uot;Our hope is to attract some good workers to live and work in this community.&uot;

Tygart said Northwood will benefit from the added jobs.

&uot;With this expansion, the town of Northwood can really attract more jobs, and we plan to keep growing,&uot; he said.