Closure of Falmouth sports-equipment facility affects 100 employees | News | kentuckytoday.com

Frankfort Reporter

FALMOUTH, Ky. (KT) – The Pendleton County Fiscal Court and Economic Development Office is working to spearhead a collaborative effort with state and local leaders to address the pending closure of Hammer Strength/Life Fitness, a Falmouth-based sports equipment manufacturer.

The closure of the facility, set to affect around 100 employees, is part of a larger consolidation move to the Hammer Strength/Life Fitness facilities in Minnesota, culminating in an estimated complete shutdown in early 2025. The closure of the Falmouth facility signifies the end of a 35-year legacy in the local community.

In response, a team comprising state and local officials, educational institutions, and community groups has devised a rapid response plan to support those impacted workers. This initiative includes a number of services such as unemployment aid, retraining programs, certifications, and counseling to facilitate smooth workforce transitions.

As part of an effort to bring new jobs to the community, this multifaceted approach to support Hammer Strength and its employees came as the result of an extensive meeting with local community leaders, various agencies, Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development Secretary Jeff Noel with his team, and officials from the Kentucky Education and Labor Cabinet. Everyone unanimously acknowledged the importance of working collaboratively and aggressively to market the building, highlight the strengths of the community, and emphasize the power and benefits of a talented and dedicated workforce.

"This is an 'all-hands-on-deck' approach to supporting those affected by Hammer Strength's departure,” said Sen. Shelley Funke Frommeyer, R-Alexandria. “Our rallying cry has always been to take care of the hard-working people impacted in very real and tangible ways, and this group of community leaders is fully committed to doing just that."

Rep. Mark Hart, R-Falmouth, noted, “We want to provide every state resource that we have available to help the Hammer Strength employees find other career opportunities and gainful employment. In addition, we want to explore all available options to fill this void and bring new business to Falmouth and Pendleton County.”

Pendleton County Judge Executive David Fields emphasized the county's dedication to provide all necessary services and resources to aid employees in transitioning to new jobs.

“We value the commitment that the Hammer Strength employees have made to Pendleton County – some with more than 30 years of employment,” he stated. “It is our top priority to bring to them all the available services and resources needed to help them transition into new jobs.”

Frankfort Reporter

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