Fortune Brands Innovations, the parent company of Master Lock, is making the move to shut down its Oak Creek offices, a move that takes over 100 jobs out of Milwaukee County. This decision comes on the heels of last year's closure of Master Lock's manufacturing plant in Milwaukee, as reported by the County Executive David Crowley's office. Crowley expressed his disappointment in a statement on the Milwaukee County website, noting the significant impact the brand had in the community over the past century.
"I am once again deeply disappointed by the owner of Master Lock for their decision to close its Oak Creek office and move over 100 good-paying, family-sustaining jobs out of Milwaukee County," Crowley's statement read in the Milwaukee County website. These actions have culled an era where Master Lock's presence seemed almost woven into the fabric of Milwaukee's industrial history. The closing of the Oak Creek office adds a deeper cut to a community already healing from losing the manufacturing plant that shut down last year.
The move by Fortune Brands Innovations has cast a shadow over the city's economic landscape. While the shadow hangs heavy on those workers whose lives will be directly affected by the move, the commitment to economic recovery and growth remains steadfast. Crowley is looking forward, focusing on regenerating the community by attracting and retaining other businesses. The County Executive's office vows to keep pushing for economic development and support for Milwaukee's workforce. As other companies are increasing their footprint in the county, Master Lock's pullback stands out even more distinctly.
"Looking ahead, I will continue working to grow our economy, support our workers, and recruit and retain businesses in Milwaukee County so we can move forward together," Crowley told in his office's press release on the Milwaukee County website.
