Issue link: http://www.insightdigital.biz/i/1263815
w w w . i n s i g h t o n b u s i n e s s . c o m J u l y 2 0 2 0 • I NSIGH T | 15 • THE LAKESHORE Door, Kewaunee, Manitowoc, Sheboygan Counties Wigwam lays off most of its workforce, may reopen Sheboygan-based Wigwam Mills laid off nearly all its employees effective June 1. In a state and federal Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act filing the company submitted in late May, the company stated it would lay off 121 of its 142 employees. e sock maker said it had lost business and seen a dramatic drop in sales due to COVID-19, leading it to "substantially curtail its manufacturing and administrative operations." Wigwam further said it was unable to provide the required 60-day notice of the layoffs due to the "sudden unexpected and unforeseen adverse circumstances" stemming from the pandemic. Siblings and fourth-generation family [continued ] » owners Chris Chesebro and Margaret Newhard have taken over leadership of the company and announced their intent to reopen operations. In early June, former CEO omas Wheeler sued Wigwam, saying he was fired without cause on April 13. e suit states Wigwam failed to provide sufficient notice for his termination and has not paid him the 12 months of salary as severance promised in his contract. • THE NORTHWOODS Florence, Marinette, Menominee, Oconto Counties Manufacturer refuses to test wells for contaminant A Marinette manufacturer of firefighting foam says it will not test 500 private wells for PFAS contamination aer state regulators claimed Tyco Fire Products failed to complete work around its fire technology center as part of an ongoing investigation. PFAS, which include perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are found in everyday products. e chemicals do not break down easily in the environment and have been linked to health issues, including cancer. In February, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources directed Tyco, a subsidiary of Johnson Controls, to sample drinking water wells in a large area around its fire protection center. In May, the DNR issued a notice of noncompliance, the first step in a series of DNR enforcement measures. Tyco responded in early June with a report saying it found no evidence to suggest PFAS moved through groundwater to the south and west of its facility. If Tyco fails to comply with the DNR's order, the department may seek additional enforcement, including sampling the wells itself and seeking reimbursement from Tyco for the work. Bergstrom Fleet Management (920) 729-5151 R e s p o n s i v e , p e r s o n a l i z e d s e r v i c e f o r a n y s i z e d f l e e t A s k a b o u t o u r c u s to m s o l u t i o n s