Affinia to stop production at 3 brake component plants

As the final elements in a three-year global restructuring program, Affinia Group, Inc. is closing three brake plants in the U.S. and Canada.

The affected facilities in Dallas, Litchfield, Ill., and Milton, Ontario, employ about 400 people involved in producing brake components. Dallas and Milton are expected to close in early 2009 with the Litchfield closing coming shortly thereafter. Affinia will offer transitional assistance to displaced workers.

“Affinia people in each location are extremely talented and dedicated, and these closings in no way reflect upon their performance,” says 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, which markets to 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 says. “Achieving these goals has required that we realign our global manufacturing and sourcing approach as reflected in our comprehensive restructuring program.”

For more information, visit www.affiniagroup.com.