PITTSBURGH — With the anticipated decline of North American automotive vehicle builds in 2009, the Pittsburgh Glass Works (PGW) said it is realigning its manufacturing footprint and making reductions in its salaried workforce. As part of the initiative, the company said it will cease production at its Oshawa, Ontario, Canada, glass fabrication facility in the first quarter 2009.

Pittsburgh Glass Works was previously part of PPG Industries’ automotive glass and services business, until this past July when it was renamed as part of a new ownership structure under a new company formed by PPG and Kohlberg & Co.

Additionally, the company will reduce its salaried workforce by more than 150 people in response to lower demand anticipated in 2009. Two satellite assembly plants in Newark, Del., and Cambridge, Ontario, Canada will be closed later in 2009, as well.

“This realignment will enable us to adapt to the changing demands of the industry,” said Jim Wiggins, PGW president and chief executive officer. “The changes are part of PGW’s transformation of its manufacturing footprint and will help to improve our focus on our remaining facilities.”

Wiggins added that an additional two plant shutdowns would be needed and expects these closures to be announced once the analysis is completed, in early January. The closures will strengthen PGW’s ability to load underutilized facilities and align capacity to meet the market demand.

“PGW will invest in remaining facilities to enhance its ability to serve its diverse customer base,” said Wiggins. “In addition, we’ve identified several opportunities to improve efficiency at our glass fabrications plants and throughout our replacement glass distribution system.”