Dradura USA, a subsidiary of German-based Dradura, announced plans to shut down its New Bern, North Carolina operation, resulting in layoffs for 119 workers. The company filed a WARN (Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification) letter on October 31 with the North Carolina Department of Commerce, confirming the closure at its Bosch Boulevard location in Craven County.

The reason behind the decision remains unclear as Dradura has not yet responded to requests for comment. However, Craven County’s economic development director, Jeff Wood, shared insights with local business sources, citing restructuring within Dradura’s European operations. This restructuring reportedly led to uncertainties with the company’s client base, prompting the move.

To assist impacted employees, local agencies, including NC Works, the Eastern Carolina Workforce Development Board, and Craven Community College, are stepping in to provide resources and job placement support. “We have multiple companies in the area currently hiring and aim to make those opportunities known to affected workers,” Wood stated. He added that Dradura leased its New Bern facility, which has hosted various tenants over the years, and that state and local entities are working to find new occupants for the site.

Dradura, acquired by the German investment group FMC Beteiligungs KG in 2021, serves a range of household appliance manufacturers, including industry leaders BSH, Electrolux, Miele, and Whirlpool.

This closure is the latest in a series of large-scale layoffs in New Bern, a region experiencing growth yet facing economic challenges. Earlier this year, Seattle-based Weyerhaeuser Company closed its New Bern lumber mill, and German plastics manufacturer Wirthwein cut its workforce at another New Bern facility.

Local economic leaders remain hopeful that these efforts to support displaced workers and attract new tenants will help stabilize the region’s workforce and maintain its appeal as an investment destination.