Tower Automotive to Close Doors; 254 Will Lose Jobs

On the day the Dow Jones reported its steepest drop in more than three years, an automotive company announced it would close a local plant putting more than 250 employees out of work. The Tower Automotive plant located in Bluffton, OH, plans to lay off 254 employees when the plant shuts down later this year.

From The Lima News, OH

BLUFFTON, OH — On the day the Dow Jones reported its steepest drop in more than three years, an automotive company announced it would close a local plant putting more than 250 employees out of work.

The Tower Automotive plant located in Bluffton, OH, plans to lay off 254 employees when the plant shuts down later this year.

“We haven’t set a definite date yet, it will be sometime this summer,” said company spokesman Joe Kirik.

The company plans to consolidate production from the Bluffton plant with its other facilities.

Employees found out Wednesday that out of 39 salaried and 230 hourly jobs, only 15 jobs would remain.

Only one product line will continue, which is the one that makes the frame rails for Ford vans, and even that may not be around for long.

Unattributed media reports Wednesday said that because that line would remain open no severance packages would be offered.

“These actions are a necessary part of our ongoing strategy to improve Tower’s operational efficiency, cost competitiveness and ability to respond effectively to changing market forces,” said Bill Pumphrey, president of Tower Automotive’s North American operations.

Tower Automotive makes parts for Daimler-Chrysler, Ford Motor Co. and several other automotive manufacturers. The company filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy in February 2005.

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