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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 18, 2007
PBGC Public Affairs
202-326-4343
PBGC Protects Pensions At Werner Holding Co. Inc.
WASHINGTON —The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) today announced it has assumed responsibility for the pensions of more than 1,460 workers and retirees of Werner Holding Co. Inc., a ladder and climbing equipment maker based in Greenville, Pa.
The PBGC stepped in because the pension plan would be unable to pay benefits when due and faced abandonment after the sale of substantially all of the company’s assets during bankruptcy proceedings.
Werner Holding retirees will continue to receive their monthly benefit checks without interruption, and other workers will receive their pensions when they are eligible to retire.
Werner Holding filed for Chapter 11 protection in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Wilmington, Del., on June 12, 2006. On April 25, 2007, the bankruptcy court approved the sale of substantially all of Werner Holding’s assets to WH Acquisition Co., an entity comprised of the company’s lien holders. The transaction did not include the pension plan.
According to PBGC estimates, the Retirement Plan for Employees of Werner Holding Co. Inc. is 58 percent funded, with about $38 million in assets to cover some $66 million in benefit liabilities. The agency expects to be responsible for the entire $28 million shortfall.
The PBGC will take over the assets and use insurance funds to pay guaranteed benefits earned under the plan, which terminated as of April 25, 2007. The PBGC became trustee of the plan on Oct. 3, 2007. Assumption of the plan's unfunded liabilities will have no material effect on the PBGC's financial statements, according to generally accepted accounting principles.
Within the next several weeks, the PBGC will send notification letters to all plan participants. Under federal pension law,
the maximum insurance benefit for participants in underfunded pension plans terminating in 2007 is $49,500 per year for those
who retire at age 65. The maximum guaranteed amount is lower for those who retire earlier or elect survivor benefits. In addition,
certain early retirement subsidies and benefit increases made within the past five years may not be fully guaranteed.
Workers and retirees with questions may consult the PBGC Web site, www.pbgc.gov or call toll-free at 1-800-400-7242. For TTY/TDD users, call the federal relay service toll-free at 1-800-877-8339 and ask for 800-400-7242.
Retirees of Werner Holding who draw a benefit from the PBGC may be eligible for the federal Health Coverage Tax Credit. Further information may be found on the PBGC Web site at http://www.pbgc.gov/workers-retirees/benefits-information/content/page13692.html.
The PBGC is a federal corporation created under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. It currently guarantees payment of basic pension benefits earned by 44 million American workers and retirees participating in over 30,000 private-sector defined benefit pension plans. The agency receives no funds from general tax revenues. Operations are financed largely by insurance premiums paid by companies that sponsor pension plans and by investment returns.
