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By CRAIG CROSBY
Staff Writer

The company has shaved about 11 positions over the past two weeks, going from an average of 17 workers to six, said President Barry Bishop.

Another round of layoffs could be forthcoming. That would reduce the crew to just Bishop, his brother and vice president, Terry Bishop, and a nephew.

"I can't tell you if there will be six here or three here," Barry Bishop said. "I haven't given up. I'm still trying to hold it together. We've kept this going for 47 years. We're trying not to lose it."

Bishop declined to specify the average salary or benefits of the employees who were laid off, but said they were, "Good paying jobs."

"A lot of them have (worked here) over 20 or 30 years," Bishop said. "They're just like family to me. It's killing me."

The layoffs will have an effect beyond the mill, Bishop said. "Woodcutters bring their cedar here," Bishop said. "The landowners are gong to suffer. The woodcutters are going to suffer. The truckers are going to suffer."

Bishop's father started Maine Fence on Greeley Avenue in 1960. The company, which manufactures cedar fencing, primarily wholesales to retailers in Massachusetts and Connecticut.

Business has been dwindling with the growing popularity of plastic fencing, Bishop said. A sluggish economy, soaring insurance and workers' compensation rates, and competition from Canadian mills also have taken a toll, Bishop said.

"When people aren't pounding on your door two or three times a day this time of year, you know things aren't good out there," Bishop said. "People don't have the money. A fence is rarely essential."

Sales have slowed to a trickle recently.

"It's getting close to non-existent," he said. "We're selling a little bit, but you need a substantial volume."

Bishop said his family has been exploring ideas to increase business.

"I hope to get at least some of (the employees) back doing something," Bishop said. "It's hard because this is so seasonal. Years ago customers used to buy trailer loads of fence in the winter time so they'd have it available in the spring. They've pretty much stopped doing that."

After 47 years, it is difficult for Bishop to acknowledge the company may not be around much longer.

"We're still trying to hang on, but I'm afraid we're probably doomed," he said. "I've grown up in this. It's my whole life."

Craig Crosby -- 861-9253

ccrosby@centralmaine.com

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