It’s been a rough ride for the folks over at Weaber Inc. in Lebanon County lately. Honestly, if you live in the area, you’ve probably heard the rumors or saw the smoke—literally. One day you’re looking at one of the nation’s biggest hardwood producers, a company that’s been a local fixture since 1941, and the next, you’re reading about WARN notices, Chapter 11 filings, and a massive three-alarm fire that lit up the night sky.
The Weaber Inc Lebanon County layoffs didn't just happen in a vacuum. They were part of a cascading series of events that started in the summer of 2025 and haven't really let up since.
The Numbers Behind the Headlines
The bad news started hitting the wire in July 2025. Weaber filed a notice with the state saying they were cutting 145 jobs at their distribution center on Keystone Drive in South Lebanon Township. That’s a lot of families suddenly wondering how they’re going to pay the mortgage.
But it wasn't just Lebanon. Earlier that same summer, they shuttered their ChoiceWood subsidiary out in Crawford County, which wiped out another 46 positions.
Basically, the company was shrinking. Fast.
By August 1, 2025, Weaber Inc. officially filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Now, Chapter 11 isn't necessarily a "game over" sign—it’s more of a "we need to reorganize or we’re toast" sign. They reported assets and liabilities in the $10 million to $50 million range.
Why now?
The company pointed to a few big culprits:
- High mortgage rates: When people can't afford houses, they don't buy hardwood flooring or molding.
- Inflation: Everything from diesel for the trucks to the electricity for the saws got way more expensive.
- Market uncertainty: Consumers are just plain scared to spend money on big home renovations right now.
Then Came the Fire
As if a bankruptcy and 145 layoffs weren't enough, disaster struck on September 8, 2025. Around 10:00 p.m., a fire broke out at the main headquarters on Mount Wilson Road.
It wasn't just a small blaze.
We’re talking about a fire so big that crews had to use 1.1 million gallons of water from an on-site pond just to try and keep it from spreading. Firefighters from all over the region were there for eight hours. Ironically, this fire happened right as the final round of layoffs at the distribution center was scheduled to be completed.
Talk about a "when it rains, it pours" situation.
Actually, it's worth noting that the Mount Wilson Road site has a history with fire. Local records and news reports from WGAL and LebTown show a string of incidents—2015, 2016, 2017, 2021, and another one in May 2025. It’s a sawmill, after all. You’ve got sawdust, dry lumber, and machinery. It’s basically a giant tinderbox.
Reality for the Workers
So, where does that leave everyone in 2026?
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The company is still technically operating under Chapter 11. President and CEO Matthew Weaber has been adamant that they intend to keep the business going. They even consolidated operations from the closed distribution center back to the main plant—the one that recently burned—to save on costs.
For the 145 people caught in the Weaber Inc Lebanon County layoffs, the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry stepped in with "Rapid Response" teams. These folks help with unemployment claims and job retraining.
Common Misconceptions
A lot of people think a bankruptcy filing means the doors are locking tomorrow. In this case, that’s not true. Weaber is still shipping products to places like Home Depot. They’re trying to slim down to survive.
But let’s be real: the combination of a shrinking workforce and a massive fire at the main production hub creates a huge mountain to climb. The court dockets from early 2026 show ongoing battles with creditors, like Mercantile Bank, over claim dates and repayment schedules.
What This Means for Lebanon County
Lebanon County’s economy isn't just one thing, but manufacturing is its heartbeat. When a third-generation family business that’s been around for 80+ years starts to wobble, everyone feels it.
If you or someone you know was affected by these cuts, there are specific moves to make. Don't just wait for a callback that might never come.
Actionable Steps for Affected Workers:
- Check your PA CareerLink status: If you were part of the WARN notice group, you are eligible for specific retraining grants that aren't available to everyone.
- Monitor the Bankruptcy Docket: Case number 1:25-bk-02167 is public. If the company owes you back pay or benefits, you need to ensure you are listed as a creditor.
- Local Job Fairs: Since Weaber was a major employer, other local manufacturers in the Lebanon and Lancaster area often hold targeted hiring events specifically for former Weaber staff.
The wood industry is cyclical. It always has been. Whether Weaber Inc. can saw its way through this restructuring and come out the other side remains to be seen, but for now, the focus is squarely on the families trying to navigate the fallout of these layoffs.
Next Steps for Recovery
If you're looking for work in the wake of the Weaber layoffs, your first stop should be the Lebanon County CareerLink office at 2430 Butler Street. They have specific programs for "Dislocated Workers" that can cover the cost of CDL training or other certifications to get you back into the workforce in a different sector. Also, keep a close eye on the official Pennsylvania WARN notices website for updates on any further workforce adjustments as the Chapter 11 process continues through 2026.