Affinia Group Inc. closes plant, consolidates operations

With the closing of its chassis products manufacturing and packaging facility in Mishawaka, Ind., it's clear that Affinia Group Inc. is taking the mantra "faster, smarter, leaner" to heart. The closing of this plant marks another step in Affinia's transformation plan, which was developed to help the company adapt its business to current market conditions.

"The competitive landscape is constantly changing, and like many companies we continue to evaluate every aspect of our business to adapt," says John R. Washbish, president of Affinia's Under Vehicle Group.

According to the company, the production and packaging once done at the Mishawaka plant will be consolidated into the Oklahoma City facility, while the distribution of the product will continue out of the company's McHenry, Ill. master distribution center. This transition will begin immediately and is expected to be complete by mid-2008.

"This closure in no way reflects on the talents or dedication of the 192 hard-working people of Mishawaka," says John R. Washbish, president of Affinia's Under Vehicle Group. "We deeply regret the impact on the lives of our employees and their families. We will work closely with them and provide all the help we can, including the option of transfers to Oklahoma City as well as local placement and career assistance wherever possible."

The closing of the Indiana plant is not the first operational change Affinia has announced. Last year, the company closed one of its Canadian manufacturing facilities in Mississauga, Ontario. The closure affected 60 people, and outsourced the stamping of brake shoes to external suppliers. However, a second plant in Mississauga remains in production today.

For more information on Affinia Group Inc., visit the company's Web site.