Staff Writer

The sun was shining Wednesday morning, but the future isn't bright for the local Yamaha plant.

Employees embraced each other in the parking lot after hearing the news that the plant will close March 31.

Since 1979, Yamaha has been a staple industry in Thomaston and Upson County, manufacturing music products.

“I've worked here 26 years, and there was no hint this was coming,” an employee said, as she choked back tears. “They say they will give us a severance package, and I have to take it. I have a family to support.”

Other employees shared her worries as they questioned what they would do next.

“I've been doing this for eight years,” an employee said, who did not want to be named. “Of course this will affect me financially. I'll have to put myself on a strict budget. I've been through this before when the mill closed.

“I'll just have to stick things out until I land something,” he said, looking down at the ground, “but it's getting hard to find a job around here.”

Locally, 187 employees will be let go as Yamaha makes an effort to consolidate its musical instrument manufacturing operations in Asia.

Yamaha executives announced that they were closing not only the Thomaston plant, but the plant in Grand Rapids, Michigan, as well, which will close April 27.

According to a press release, the

closures are part of a long-term plan to enhance Yamaha's competitive position in an increasingly aggressive global musical products market.

“We have worked long and hard together here in the U.S. to manufacture the world's finest musical instruments,” said Yamaha Corporation of America President Yoshihiro Doi.

“I am proud of our people and their achievements, and I deeply appreciate their commitment and loyalty to Yamaha.

“I am equally grateful for the support of the local communities in which these plants have thrived for a combined 60 years of commitment here in the United States.

“We must take this action in light of market realities and new, fierce international competition,” he added.

Doi said the musical products industry, especially in traditional instruments such as pianos, wind and percussion instruments, has become increasingly challenging due to the emergence of new, aggressive global competition, notably from manufacturers based in China.

Government officials say the entire community will be affected by Wednesday's news.

“When you look at 187 employees and the total impact of the payroll there will be a fallout that will effect every business in the community,” said Thomaston Mayor Hays Arnold.

“It's not a happy event, but it's not one we can't recover from. We've gone through, quite frankly, worse than this in the past and managed to keep it together and we will do it again,” he said.

When companies relocate they not only take the employees salaries, but tax dollars as well.

According to the tax records, Yamaha paid over $100,000 annually in property taxes which was split between Thomaston and Upson County.

Industrial Development Authority Chairman Jim Edwards said manufactures relocating out of the country is an “unfortunate” trend.

“It's a disappointment to see Yamaha leave Thomaston,” he said. “Yamaha has been a great corporate citizen for a long time and they won't be easy to replace.

“We are seeing this happen throughout the state and country. Thomaston has bounced back before and will do it again.”

This is the second plant to announce a closing this year in the community. Royal Cord closed their doors in January.

Nearby in Griffin,Nacom announced they would lay off over 400 employees, including some Thomaston residents, by the year 2008 to move their operation to Mexico.

Even with looming numbers such as those Arnold said it is important for the community to remain positive.

“This emphasis my belief and feeling that we need a strong, highly qualified individual to head up industrial recruitment efforts,” he said. “We have to get the best individuals we can to help get us out of this ditch.

“It's not an impossible task. We are a resilient community. It is going to take a cooperative effort, but we will bounce back.”

Glenn Collins, Upson County commission chairman, said his prayers and thoughts are with the employees and their families.

“Of course I was saddened to hear the news of the plant closing,” he said. “My thoughts go out to citizens who will be losing their employment and benefits.

“Yamaha has been a great asset to our community. They provided good jobs, good pay and good benefits. I understand how corporate America works and they have to do what they need to do.”

Collins said Upson County's tax base will be effected, but said the County and City should use this time to get busy and recruit new businesses here.

“We have to make sure we put ourselves out there,” he said. “This definitely makes it more important to fill the position of recruiter.

“We need the right person who will bring new industry with well paying jobs to our community, while at the same time focus on our existing industry.

“We have to get jobs and put our citizens back to work.”

The sun is setting on Yamaha's time in Thomaston and the soon to be former employees will have to see what the new dawn will bring.