Continental spokeswoman Kathryn Blackwell said the company decided to close the plant after workers there voted against opening their contract, slated to expire in 2012, to consider concessions. The supplier, whose North American headquarters are in Auburn Hills, had been seeking wage and benefit cuts from those workers.
A UAW 1413, which represents hourly employees at the plant, could not be reached for comment.
The company informed workers today of the plant's closure. At full capacity, the plant employs 1,200 people. But due to production cuts, only 972 employees at the plant have been working lately.
Continental acquired the plant after buying the automotive business of Siemens VDO in 2007.
Before Siemens bought the plant, it belonged to Chrysler.
Contact JEWEL GOPWANI: 313-223-4550 or jgopwani@freepress.com.
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