After 70 years, Port Huron construction supplier is closing

(PORT HURON) — A Port Huron business that has been around for 70 years is closing due to a pension dispute with a union. Port Huron Building Supply is being sued in federal court in Illinois over its alleged failure to contribute enough money to the Teamsters Central States Pension Fund. An attorney for the company, Gary Fletcher, says that the litigation is forcing Port Huron Building Supply to close by the end of March. Signs say, “Everything must be sold!” Company president Michael Lauth says the business has 14 employees, down from 34 in 2005. Sales declined as home construction dried up. Port Huron Building Supply sells concrete, lumber and hardware. Lauth’s father, Harold, opened the doors in 1946.