It hurts but does not cripple Cedar City to lose a sizable Coleman sleeping-bag manufacturing facility June 15, a tribute to the community's diversified economy that provides a model for other rural areas.
In many Utah towns outside the Wasatch Front, losing more than 111 jobs to a sister plant in Lake City, S.C., would be devastating. But Iron County has expanded its economic base around light manufacturing, tourism and entertainment, government services, education, agriculture and vibrant retail.That is a broad blend that does not lessen the pain of losing its third-largest private employer but makes it bearable.
The Coleman closure comes on the heels of two other shutdowns: Anderson Hickey, manufacturer of steel desks and filing cabinets, closed in February and idled 70 employees; Avanze Technologies eliminated 45 jobs earlier this year when it ceased production.
Local leaders and residents must hope bad economic luck runs in threes and has played itself out for the time being. Yet with this third strike, the local economy is far from down and has other legs to support it.
Iron County's unemployment rate is only 3 percent, meaning only 490 county residents are out of work. Even with the three closures, light manufacturing remains healthy overall. MetalCraft Technologies has increased its Cedar City work force from 70 employees to 300; Smead Manufacturing has added 100 jobs; and O'Sullivan Industries is expanding.
When Coleman opened its doors in Cedar City in 1967, the situation was much different. Then there were a college, mining, lots of agriculture and Main Street businesses - but not much more. The Coleman factory was a coveted catch that resulted from cooperative state and local economic development efforts.
Since then, Coleman has provided many jobs and been an active cog in the community, supporting civic groups, educational efforts and youth sports programs. But times change, as do economic and business trends. The Cedar City closure is a result of Sunbeam Corp.'s recent acquisition of Coleman, leading to consolidation and downsizing.
Fortunately, southwestern Utah has learned to spread its economic dependency around. Iron County will continue to grow and thrive, even while suffering an occasional hit such as losing a 31-year-old fixture. Other municipalities, most admittedly without the benefit of a college or university, would do well to follow suit.