4th
June 2008 - Affinia Group Inc. Announces Plans to Close Three Manufacturing
Facilities
Final Elements in Three-Year Global Restructuring
As the final elements in a three-year global restructuring program,
Affinia Group Inc. has announced plans for closing three manufacturing
facilities in the U.S. and Canada.
The affected facilities in Dallas, Texas, Litchfield, Illinois, and
Milton, Ontario, employ approximately 400 people involved in the
manufacture of brake components. Dallas and Milton are expected to close
by the end of the first quarter of 2009 with the Litchfield closing
coming shortly thereafter. Affinia will offer transitional assistance to
affected workers.
"Affinia people in each location are extremely talented and dedicated,
and these closings in no way reflect upon their performance," said John
R. Washbish, President of Affinia's Under Vehicle Group. "Our decision
to phase out manufacturing in Dallas, Litchfield and Milton was
unavoidable, reflecting fundamental changes that are taking place in the
markets we serve around the world. We deeply regret the impact on the
lives of our people and their families and will provide assistance where
possible during these challenging times."
Affinia Group, a global leader in the on- and off-highway replacement
products and service industry, began a strategic restructuring program
in 2005 in response to the globalization of aftermarket manufacturing
and sourcing.
"For Affinia to continue competing successfully in the global economy,
we have focused on lowering our costs while championing world-class
quality," Washbish said. "Achieving these goals has required that we
realign our global manufacturing and sourcing approach as reflected in
our comprehensive restructuring program."
Affinia Group Inc. is a global leader in the on- and off-highway
replacement products and service industry. In North America the Affinia
family of brands includes WIX(R) filters, Raybestos(R), AIMCO(R) and
BrakePro(R) brake products, and McQuay-Norris(R) and Spicer(R) Chassis
parts. South American and European brands include Nakata(R), Filtron(R),
Urba(R) and Quinton Hazell(R). For more information, visit
www.affiniagroup.com
Source: Affinia Group Press Release