Harden Furniture was a family-owned business in McConnellsville for 174 years.
That is, until two weeks ago.
That was when Gregory Harden, the great-great-grandson to company founder Charles S. Harden Sr., said he was fired as president and CEO — a move that came just a week after Harden Furniture’s production staff was laid off until further notice.
Harden Furniture’s business operations are owned by Walter Haskett, a Michigan investor who purchased part of the company in April, Harden said. The factory and land, meanwhile, remains owned by Harden while Illinois loan agency Big Shoulders Capital has owned the company’s assets — including accounts receivable, machinery and inventory — since February.
Harden said Haskett has sought to purchase the assets owned by Big Shoulders, but the two sides have not been able to reach an agreement. Without a deal in place, the production staff was laid off the day after Memorial Day, while Harden Furniture’s office staff was laid off last week, he said.
Employees at Harden Furniture have been notified that “the offices will be closed until further notice,” said Doug Cleveland, Harden Furniture’s national sales manager, in an email. Located at 8550 Mill Pond Way, Harden Furniture opened in 1844 and produces high-end furniture, such as case goods and upholstered items.
“On behalf of all Harden employees, our sincere apologies for the position this has placed our loyal dealers and clients in,” Cleveland said. “We are awaiting word from the owners as to when we may resume business.
The layoffs affect about 100 employees, Harden said.
As for Harden, he said he was fired by email without any explanation. Harden said he never has met Haskett nor does he believe Haskett has ever been to McConnellsville.