MasterBrand changes to affect 390 workers at Kinston facility

MasterBrand plans to move part of its Kinston production to facilities in three other states, affecting approximately 390 employees while retaining about 180 workers at the site, a company spokesperson said.

The company will focus its Kinston operations exclusively on frameless cabinetry and components manufacturing. Production and assembly of non-frameless products will move to MasterBrand facilities in Indiana, Illinois and Oregon.

The portions of the Kinston facility supporting that work will wind down and be idled by late November 2026, according to the company.

MasterBrand said the decision stems from an ongoing review of its manufacturing network as part of its merger with American Woodmark.

“MasterBrand will maintain a manufacturing presence in Kinston,” the spokesperson said. “Approximately 180 associates will continue at the site supporting frameless cabinetry and components manufacturing.”

The remaining operations will include Ultracraft frameless cabinetry production, which recently transitioned to the Kinston site.

Approximately 390 employees supporting non-frameless operations will be affected. The company did not specify how many would leave MasterBrand or transfer to other positions.

“The decision is not a reflection of their dedication, performance or contributions,” the spokesperson said.

MasterBrand said affected employees will receive enhanced severance packages with pay and benefits continuation, outplacement support and connections to workforce resources. Employees also may apply for other positions within the company, including some offering relocation benefits.

Neuse News contacted MasterBrand after receiving reports of potential layoffs and finding no corresponding notice in North Carolina’s public Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification listings.

“We have provided notices to the affected associates and notified the relevant agencies,” the spokesperson said.

The company did not provide the dates of those notifications or explain why a corresponding notice had not appeared in the public listings.

MasterBrand said the manufacturing review supports its goal of achieving more than $100 million in annual cost savings by the end of the third year following the merger’s close. The company said it has a transition plan intended to maintain product quality, customer service and delivery performance.

The company also expressed appreciation for its employees and Kinston leaders and community partners as it completes the transition.