"Today, we announce that Moosehead Manufacturing will continue making some of the finest furniture in the world at its Monson facility," Governor Baldacci said. "Thanks to a group that includes Josh Tardy, Moosehead Manufacturing will rehire about 40 people in the next couple of weeks, with the intent to boost the work force to where it was a year ago."

The group that purchased the Monson facility was put together by Josh Tardy of Newport. Tardy is a lawyer, as well as the Republican Leader of the Maine House of Representatives.

“We're very excited about this business opportunity," Josh Tardy said. "Moosehead furniture, as everyone knows, has a great history and we believe that it has a great future as well. "We think it's a quality product, made by quality people in a quality place."

Additionally, there are plans to redevelop Moosehead's Dover facility.

Jack Clukey, Town Manager in Dover, said, "It is great that Moosehead Manufacturing has found a buyer for the Monson plant and will be putting people back to work at the facility. It is also exciting that Moosehead is pursuing the redevelopment of the Dover-Foxcroft facility. This investment will be a great boost to the community, particularly in the downtown area."

Julie Anderson, Town Manager in Monson, said, "We are pleased that someone has seen the potential in this mill and the product it produces and realizes this facility is a great asset to the Town of Monson and this area. It returns employment opportunity to this area again. We want to wish the new owners good luck in their new venture and the town will endeavor to support them in any way we can."

Russ Page, President of the Piscataquis Chamber of Commerce, said, "What a great day for Piscataquis County. This beautiful late summer day has been made even better with this infusion of hope and opportunity. The Piscataquis Chamber of Commerce welcomes the new owners in Monson and the developers in Dover-Foxcroft. We pledge our support to assure the long-term viability of both endeavors."

Thomas Kittredge, Executive Director of the Piscataquis County Economic Development Council, said, "The closing of Moosehead Manufacturing was a terrible blow to the economy of Piscataquis County. The PCEDC is pleased that the Monson facility will be operational again, employing area workers, and we are looking forward to working with the new ownership to help ensure the operations long-term viability. Likewise, we are thrilled about the prospect for the redevelopment of the Moosehead Dover-Foxcroft facility, and welcome the opportunity to assist in it again becoming a vibrant, integral part of the Dover-Foxcroft downtown."

“We recognize the great tradition of furniture making at Moosehead furniture, and it's a tradition that will continue," the Governor said. "It's part of Maine's forest products industry, adding much value to our natural resources. The jobs are extremely important to not only Piscataquis County, but the entire state."

Moosehead Manufacturing announced in February that it would be closing after 60 years of making furniture. The state immediately offered assistance to the displaced workers and began efforts to find a buyer for the facilities in Dover and Monson.

Tardy said he expects that workers will report to work within 30 days.
"This content originally appeared as a copyrighted article in the Tuesday, September 25, 2007 edition of the Moosehead Messenger and is used here with permission."