Auto parts supplier Affinia Group Inc. will close its drum and rotor plant in McHenry, Ill., plus its plants in Erie and North East, Pa., before the end of the year.
Affinia also intends to sell its businesses in Sudbury and St. Catharines, Ontario, and Waupaca, Wis., and consolidate its brake component manufacturing in Litchfield, Ill.
Some 360 jobs will be eliminated in total. The actions are part of Affinia's international restructuring program.
"We intend to maintain a significant North American manufacturing presence and also manage strategic initiatives, such as research and development, parts specifications, and channel relationships in North America," says Affinia CEO and President Terry McCormack.
"We have come to a point where our competitive environment is forcing us to take actions we had hoped to avoid. In order for Affinia to remain competitive in the global economy, we have to take advantage of lower costs for select aftermarket components in production locations around the world.
"Our restructuring program will help to assure our continued success," he adds.
Affinia has operations in 17 countries and employs 12,000 people
