The End of an Era

The End of An Era, Waterloo Chronicle; November 25, 1992.

On October 19, 1990, an official announcement was made by company officials that the original Seagram plant in Waterloo would be closing its doors. Government taxation, declining sales and limited expansion options contributed to the company's decision at a meeting held at The Seagram Museum. After the announcement was made, "you could hear a pin drop". The news was met with shock and disbelief.

To assist employees in coping with the reality of the closure of the plant, an Employee Assistance Committee was formed to help workers find new jobs. Financial consultants and counsellors were made available and employees were provided with opportunities to attend workshops and take courses available through community colleges. The Committee also advertised within the community that skilled workers were available for employment. By the time the plant closed in 1992, 75% of the 210 employees had found new employment while 15% of the workers chose an early retirement package.

In November, 1992, when the last whisky barrel was rolled out of the warehouses, a rich industrial era came to an abrupt end. Former Waterloo plant manager, William Timmis spoke for many when he expressed: "Seagram was Waterloo, Waterloo was Seagram. The company has been the backbone of the community. It will be terribly missed."