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With as many as 220 jobs at stake, Grede Manufacturing is planning to “cease all manufacturing operations” at its Brewton location in the coming weeks.
The Brewton location of the company is one of nine foundry operations and three machining operations of Grede.
In a press release from the company’s headquarters in Michigan, the plan is to move operations currently being performed in Brewton to other company locations.
The official press release from the company states:
“Grede recently announced to its team members the intent to potentially cease all manufacturing operations at the Brewton, Alabama foundry and reallocate the work, currently being performed in Brewton, to Grede’s other US foundry locations.
“Grede’s Brewton facility is represented by the United Steel Workers Union. Grede and the union will meet to discuss the contemplated decision to idle operations and what impact that may have on Grede’s Brewton team members.
“If the decision to idle operations moves forward, after providing the Union opportunity to discuss, Grede’s Brewton team members may be offered opportunities in other Grede locations or a separation package to assist with their employment transition. The Union will also be afforded the chance to discuss additional opportunities for their members and the details of a potential separation package.
“If manufacturing operations are idled, the Grede Brewton facility will remain open and may be used for other activities including warehousing and R&D.
“Grede’s Brewton, Alabama foundry was built in 1975 and began production in 1976. It produces safety critical ductile iron castings primarily for the US Automotive market. The facility currently employes approximately 160 full-time employees and 60 third-party contract employees.”
Grede’s Brewton location is situated on Ann Street near downtown Brewton. According to the company website, Grede has provided more than 100 years of reliable and innovative iron castings to the industrial, commercial truck, and automotive markets that have built and transformed the world as we know it. Today, we lead the industry with 10 facilities across America and 3,000 team members, each an artist of their trade
Officials with Grede’s headquarters did not give a specific date for ceasing operations in Brewton.