Largest Privately Held Oregon Company on Cusp of Bankruptcy

After failing to sell bonds required for a rescue deal, Jeld-Wen Inc., Oregon’s largest privately held company, is now on the cusp of bankruptcy.

A window-and-door maker, based in Kalamath Falls, employing 2,500 in Oregon, Jeld-Wen has shut down plants, liquidated assets, cut spending and laid off workers in the wake of a downturn stemming from the 2008 housing market crash. The company had been hopeful that a Canadian private equity firm would be able to takeover the company but that takeover is now unlikely due to Jeld-Wen inability to sell the bonds required for the deal.

Even in what could only charitably called a recession, a bankruptcy would still be a stunning turn for Jeld-Wenbuilt, a one time colossus of a company.