Originally Posted by
repechage
The question is then, why was there not an effective plan for this before the pandemic? Hiring and cultivating, training younger staff? I think therefore that the closure was known for years to Mr. Schwinn.
I live nearby. The closest metropolitan areas to the Waterford shop are Milwaukee (40min) and Madison (1hr20min). The commute from Milwaukee wouldn't be too bad but it's not exactly centrally located to attract talent.
I also get the feeling there was not enough cash flow to bring on younger staff for sufficient apprenticeship periods. Nor is metal fabrication a popular vocation anymore - machine shops and construction firms take all of the students from the technical schools.