Manufacturer TJ Hale Co. closes in Menomonee Falls

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A Menomonee Falls-based manufacturer closed abruptly on Feb. 5, leaving more than 60 workers without jobs, local outlets reported.

“Closed” signs appeared on the doors of the TJ Hale Co. facility in Menomonee Falls after company officials shared a letter with employees pointing to “unforeseeable business circumstances.”

The company was more than 70 years old upon closing and manufactured architectural millwork, ornamental metal and custom fixtures. It specialized in commercial interiors for retail, corporate and specialty uses, according to the company website.

“Following a review of January finances, the company discovered that, because of multiple shifts in order timing by customers, loss of an expected major contract due to these shifts and their effect on the company’s finances, and corresponding reductions in cash flow, the company had insufficient funds to continue to fund payroll and other financial obligations in the short term,” company officials said in an email to employees.

TJ Hale explored other financing routes, but none were sufficient to allow the company to fund short-term financial obligations, including payroll, officials added.

As of Feb. 11, there was no layoff notice for TJ Hale posted to the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development website. The WARN Act requires employers to give employees 60 days’ notice before a mass layoff.

The company was founded in Butler in 1950, according to its online biography.