LECHEE, Ariz. — As a lifelong construction worker and home builder, I know what it means to take pride in your craft — to show up before sunrise, to weld steel, pour concrete, measure twice, and build something that will last generations.
That’s why the closure of ZenniHome’s factory in LeChee hits especially hard. Over 200 skilled Navajo workers — my fellow builders — have been laid off. They lost more than jobs. They lost stability, a steady paycheck, and the pride that comes from building homes for our people, right here on Navajo land.
ZenniHome was the only high-tech housing manufacturer operating within the Navajo Nation. The facility offered real opportunity — not just hope, but employment with purpose. And now, due to the reduction of a key work order and political interference that undermined the project, those jobs are gone, according to ZenniHome. The original plan for 160 homes was cut in half, and with that decision, the company could no longer sustain operations according to Zennihome.
This shouldn’t have happened. But now that it has, we must focus on supporting the workers — the people who did everything right and still lost everything.
This morning, my Administration dispatched staff to LeChee to offer assistance — counseling, job placement, and access to other resources. We’re also beginning the process of evaluating the facility itself. This is a prime asset that must not sit empty. We’re working to identify a new tenant or transitional use that can restore jobs and momentum to this community.
I remain committed to ensuring all 160 homes are delivered to Navajo families. But right now, our priority is the 200 families affected by this loss. We owe them more than words — we owe them action.
I’m not just speaking to you as President — I’m speaking as a tradesman who knows what it feels like to build with your hands and to watch it all disappear. We will get through this, and we will rebuild.
— Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren