Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt Calls for State Investigation into Candlelight Cabinetry

     New York State Senate Republican Minority Leader Rob Ortt is urging state officials to investigate Candlelight Cabinetry in Lockport following weeks of uncertainty surrounding the company’s operations and the status of its workforce.

     Ortt, who represents the 62nd Senate District and serves as the top-ranking Republican in the State Senate, announced that he and Assemblyman Paul Bologna have formally requested that both the New York State Department of Labor and the Office of the Attorney General review the situation. The request comes nearly three weeks after what workers described as quiet furloughs at the longtime Lockport manufacturer.

     Employees have publicly raised concerns about unpaid final paychecks, access to 401(k) benefits, and the company’s future. Ortt said the circumstances surrounding the company’s recent actions have raised red flags.

     "I’ve seen businesses go out of business. It is always unfortunate, but this just strikes me as unusual," Ortt said. "[Workers] have not been done right, at this juncture, by Candlelight Cabinetry."

     Ortt emphasized that calling for an investigation is not something he takes lightly.

     "I do not do that lightly. I will be very clear about that. This is not something you willy nilly ask the top prosecutor in the state, and her office, or the Department of Labor, to investigate a business," Ortt said. "However, we are going to work to make sure that somebody gets to the bottom of this. I think we are owed that as a community, but I think the workers and their families are absolutely owed that."

     Both the Department of Labor and the Attorney General’s office have confirmed they are aware of the developments involving Candlelight Cabinetry and are reviewing the matter.

     Candlelight Cabinetry has been a fixture in Lockport for 36 years manufacturing cabinetry and employing hundreds over its history. The company recently transitioned to new ownership under Andrew Olsen who provided a statement addressing the financial strain facing the business.

     "Outside circumstances put significant cash-flow pressure on the organization, but that issue is being addressed," Olsen said.

     Regarding the company’s outlook, Olsen added, "The Candlelight team is very close to finalizing a significant realignment and re-capitalization."

     In a broader statement, Olsen said:

     "Candlelight Cabinetry proudly played a manufacturing role in the Lockport community for 36 years. The company supported hundreds of families through its workforce and community partners. Candlelight recently transitioned to the next generation of ownership with a keen focus on preserving Candlelight’s place in the community’s business and tax base for another 30+ years.

     This next generation made significant investments in people, processes, sales, marketing and modernized equipment, with $3.2 million in improved machines and technology placed in service since the transition. That was more than the company invested in many, many years prior. Now the company is receiving increased orders year over year and building toward success.

     Outside circumstances nonetheless put significant cash-flow pressure on the organization, but that issue is being addressed.  While having to make some short-term staffing adjustments, the Candlelight team is very close to finalizing a significant realignment and re-capitalization. That will set the organization up to build on its legacy, recent investments and proud heritage for generations to come.”

     Despite that reassurance, court records show six active cases in New York State courts naming Candlelight Cabinetry as a defendant. Those cases collectively allege the company owes a total of $6,188,658.51 to multiple entities.

     For now, workers remain in limbo as the company works toward what it describes as restructuring, while state agencies review whether further action is warranted. Ortt has said his focus remains on ensuring transparency and accountability for the Lockport community and for the families affected by the company’s recent actions.

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Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt Calls for State Investigation into Candlelight Cabinetry