Steelcase dealer Forrer Business Interiors closes with less than a day's notice, cutting 58 jobs

Glendale, Wisconsin (Milwaukee area) office furniture company Forrer Business Interiors Inc. said Friday afternoon it would close at the end of the day, a move that throws 58 people out of work.

“Due to a sudden and unforseen change of business circumstances, Forrer’s business closing is effective immediately,” the company said in a Wisconsin Business Closing and Mass Layoff (WARN) notice filed with the state. “Both Forrer and the facility will permanently close today.”

Such notices are required 60 days before a company actually closes or carries out a mass layoff.

Leaders for the company could not be reached for comment. Other employees reached by BizTimes Milwaukee Friday declined to comment.

Forrer is owned by Randal S. Howard, according to his LinkedIn page. Howard could not be reached Friday.

Forrer Business Interiors was founded in 1948. The company provided interior design, architectural walls, office furniture and technology for its clients.

On its website, Forrer describes itself as the area's exclusive dealer of Steelcase office furniture.