Cross Country Manufacturing area at a trades event at the John D. Bradley Convention Centre. November 16, 2016. (Photo by Natalia Vega)Cross Country Manufacturing area at a trades event at the John D. Bradley Convention Centre. November 16, 2016. (Photo by Natalia Vega)
Chatham

Blenheim Politicians Shocked Over Plant Sale

The pending sale of a Blenheim plant caught some local politicians by surprise.

The owner of Cross Country Manufacturing is looking for a new owner and wants to sell the facility by October 1.

Frank Vercouteren, Blenheim councillor and chamber of commerce president, says he was shocked when he found out because he thought business was good.

"I remember the day they opened up there and I was so excited because we finally got somebody in that building. They also received the entrepreneur of the year this spring and we were happy to give them that. I was really excited because they were going to stay here," says Vercouteren.

Cross Country Manufacturing makes gravel and transport trailers.

Vercouteren admits he was caught off guard and hopes the workers will keep their jobs.

"I don't know what started this or what is causing them to leave but they told me they're really going to work hard to try and get another company that will assume the business and their employees," Vercouteren says.

Blenheim Councillor Karen Herman is confident the workers will be OK.

"It was a surprise to me but that doesn't mean anything. Surprises have positive resolutions as well and hopefully a new company will come in and take over what they already built," says Herman.

Read More Local Stories

New military crosswalk rendering. (Image courtesy of the Sarnia Legion Branch 62)

New military crosswalk in Sarnia to be unveiled

As part of a partnership between the Sarnia Legion Branch 62 and City of Sarnia, an unveiling ceremony will be held at the corner of Christina Street and Wellington Street on Sunday, June 7, at 2 p.m.

Members of the Sarnia Police Service entering a Tashmoo Avenue residence on June 4, 2026. (Photo courtesy of the Sarnia Police Service)

Two men arrested in Tashmoo Ave. standoff

Sarnia police said the investigation began on May 29 after the victim was allegedly attacked by acquaintances at a residence near Tashmoo Avenue and Christopher Drive at Aamjiwnaang First Nation.