SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- The 113-year-old commercial door and hardware supplier, Werntz Supply, has decided to close its doors after a century of service to the community.
Owner, Patrick Werntz, and his brother have decided to close up shop because they are both beyond retirement age and their children chose different career paths.
The company's distinctive three-story, heavy-timber and brick building is set to be cleaned up and put up for sale.
Patrick says that he is committed to supporting employees through the transition process as the business closes shop.
"I have no bad feelings about closing the business. We've done it. It's because our children chose to be doctors and lawyers instead of, you know, in the door and hardware business." Said Patrick Werntz. "You know, they say, you got to keep it going and things like that, but I don't need to keep it going. I'm happy to jump in my travel trailer and just cruise around America for the next 10 years."