Wahl Clipper Plans 20% Workforce Reduction in Sterling

Wahl Clipper, a major manufacturer of grooming products, announced plans to reduce its workforce in Sterling by approximately 20%. This reduction will be initiated through voluntary resignation packages, which company officials confirmed on September 19, 2023. Wahl Clipper has been a significant employer in Sterling for over a century, primarily known for producing electric hair trimmers.

The company is starting this workforce reduction with what Marc Geil, the global director of culture and employee experience at Wahl, described as a “very generous early retirement voluntary resignation.” This strategy aims to limit the number of involuntary layoffs, impacting employees in both office and factory roles. In 2017, Wahl employed around 1,000 individuals in Sterling. Following a slowdown in retail demand post-pandemic, the company cut 48 jobs at the Sterling plant in late 2022, highlighting ongoing challenges in the market.

Strategic Reorganization to Meet Market Demands

The workforce reduction is part of a broader strategic reorganization intended to align Wahl Clipper with evolving market demands and consumer expectations in the current landscape. According to a news release from the company, certain roles will be affected, and Wahl is committed to supporting the transition of impacted employees. Resources will be provided to assist them in moving forward successfully.

Geil noted that Wahl has engaged with community leaders, including Sterling city officials and the Sauk Valley Area Chamber of Commerce, regarding the upcoming changes. The company has requested a list of chamber members to help connect affected employees with other local job opportunities.

“We really are [sticking] with our values at Wahl to help [employees] with that transition,” Geil stated. He emphasized that Wahl’s core values remain steadfast: creating value for customers, supporting employees and their families, and continuously improving operations.

Commitment to Community and Values

In the release, Wahl’s CEO, Brian Wahl, reiterated the company’s dedication to its employees and the community. “We remain a proud, family-led company rooted in integrity, transparency, and a deep commitment to our employees, customers, and communities,” he stated.

As Wahl Clipper moves forward with these changes, its focus will be on navigating the challenges of the market while maintaining its commitment to supporting its workforce and the wider Sterling community.