I’d like to respond to Matt Barron’s incorrect statements in his July 8 letter to the editor regarding our company.
We have never had a single lamp made in China.
We have never had or handed 32 employees pink slips.
Janna Ugone & Co. is very much open in our Cottage Street Studio in Easthampton where we have been making our lamps since 1987. We’re open to the public to see how things are made or peruse the showroom, Outlet & LampBar.
We are in agreement with Mr. Barron in that we’re also concerned about imported goods replacing local products which is why we are all about local. Most of our in-house staff have been with us from 14 to 27 years — we love our work family. From our Easthampton welder to our hilltown wood turner, we love our extended family, too. We proudly work with 53 local businesses to create our line, some are second generational and all have become dear friends.
Our loyal hero customers have, too felt great about being a key part of our awesome local community.
Even though it’s an easy decision to be local, it isn’t always an easy path for myself or other local makers to create this way. It’s a constant pivot and problem solving challenge even before the pandemic and it has quadrupled since. Nonetheless, we love our work, supporting our community and making lots of folks happy in some sweet and small way.
Janna Ugone
Easthampton