The owner of Robco Cabinets Ltd. has confirmed that his long-standing business is at an end.
Rob Brunner issued a notice late Monday that confirmed the company, which also operates as Robco Kitchens, officially ceased operations as of last Friday.
“The past two years have presented the company with many challenges, unfortunately too many to overcome,” said Brunner in a statement. “So it is with good judgment we have made this decision to cease operations to minimize the negative impact to our local economy.”
Robco’s future came into question a week and a half ago, when its Gasoline Alley premises closed. An official with the company said at the time that a public notice would be issued shortly.
The official confirmed on Monday that Robco had entered into a private voluntary receivership.
Brunner founded Robco in 1979, initially working out of his garage. The business grew steadily, expanding its market to the United States and beyond, before moving in 2009 from premises in Red Deer to a 69,000-square-foot shop south of the city.
Last year, Brunner told the Advocate that the stagnant U.S. housing market, the high Canadian dollar and the red tape associated with cross-border trade had led Robco to focus on Western Canada.
In his notice on Monday, Brunner expressed pride in what Robco had accomplished. He credited the company’s customers, business partners and employees for that success.
As of last spring, Robco had about 45 employees.