MANCELONA — Dura Automotive Inc. confirmed it will close its manufacturing plant in Mancelona, shuttering one of the largest employers in Antrim County.
The company informed the United Auto Workers union Monday that the auto plant will be closed, but no specific closing timeline was identified. Company officials said it will be a “phased” process that should be complete by year’s end.
“Today, following the conclusion of discussions with the union, Dura has regretfully announced to employees the decision to cease all operations and close the Mancelona site,” said a statement issued by Theresa Skotak, vice president and chief administrative officer for Dura.
“While several factors were considered, a critical part of the decision was the inability of the company and the union to reach an agreement that would result in an economically viable business capable of remaining competitive in an extremely aggressive global supplier landscape.”
UAW officials objected to the company’s attempt to blame the union. They said the average pay rate at the plant is less than $14 per hour and more than a hundred Dura executives received bonuses during its financial problems.
“They just keep getting richer, but the workers have to pay to give them bonuses,” said Rob Naugle, international representative for union.
Dura’s Mancelona operation includes 53 salaried employees and 250 hourly workers, company spokeswoman Shawn Brumbaugh said.
Dura filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in October 2006 and tried to sell the Mancelona factory for much of 2007. The company described the plant as a “non-core, underperforming operation” with eroding earnings in documents filed with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Wilmington, Del.
The company has reduced its workforce at plants across the country. It laid off 250 employees at a plant in Missouri in February. Dura is based in Rochester Hills and has close to 13,800 employees at 36 plants spread across 16 countries in North America, Europe and Asia.
Business
300 to lose jobs at Dura’s Mancelona plant
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Agriculture forum: Growing farm-school partnership
Farmer Jim Schwantes almost didn't come. But Schwantes, who grows vegetables north of Cedar, set aside his skepticism and ventured out on a snowy day last week to join nearly 30 other growers at the Northwest Michigan Horticultural Research Center, in Leelanau County. They were there to talk with the food service directors of five area public and one private school.
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Futures files: Warm winter cools demand for gas
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Buckley Farm Show speakers scheduled
The 28th annual Buckley Farm Show will be held Feb. 16 at Hannah St. Mary's School.
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Feds seek applications for disaster loans
Federal economic injury disaster loans are available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private non-profit organizations of all sizes located in Michigan as a result of excessive rain, high winds, hail, freeze, frost, blizzard, tornadoes, flooding and lightning that began Feb. 1, 2011.
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Milk producers given National Dairy awards
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Group gets funding to promote agri-tourism
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Two area businesses receive ag grants
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Continued ... - Friday, February 10, 2012
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Eastman Kodak no longer camera-ready
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Beef prices expected to increase
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Greek deal doesn't boost market much
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Business in brief: 02/10/2012
Two Ford executives announce retirements; Effect of new mortgage settlement debated; Number of unemployed who seek aid is falling
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The Record: 02/10/2012
Assumed names filed in Grand Traverse County
Continued ... - Building Permits: 02/10/2012
- Thursday, February 9, 2012
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Glik's reopens in downtown TC
Glik's in downtown Traverse City reopened this week.
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Insider-trading legislation on tap
House Republicans have rejected from a Senate measure a requirement that people who collect information from Congress for investors register like lobbyists.
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Greece mulls harsh new cuts
Greek coalition leaders were locked in crucial debt talks with the prime minister Wednesday to review layoffs and other steep cutbacks as part of a $170 billion bailout package intended to save the country from a looming bankruptcy.
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GOP targets immigrant tax break
Republicans are looking to deny child tax credits to illegal immigrants — refund checks averaging $1,800 — in an effort that has roused anger among Hispanics and some Democratic lawmakers.
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Toyota to expand Indiana plant
Toyota said it will expand its factory in Princeton, Ind., and add 400 jobs so it can build more Highlander SUVs.
Continued ... - Wednesday, February 8, 2012
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Dow approaches 13,000 mark
The Dow is within reach of the rarefied 13,000 mark — a level it hasn't seen since May 2008, four months before the financial system almost came apart.
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Michigan joins foreclosure deal
Michigan will join more than 40 other states in approving a deal that would benefit many Americans who lost their homes or can't afford their mortgages.
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VW plant produces 50,000th Passat
Volkswagen's Chattanooga plant has completed its 50,000th Passat, less than a year after production began.
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Wal-Mart debuts healthy food seal
You may like the food you buy, but is it "Great for You"? Wal-Mart Stores Inc. plans to help its customers figure that out.
Continued ... - Tuesday, February 7, 2012
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Corporate profit growth rate slows
While other parts of the economy struggled the past two years, large companies managed to rack up higher profits quarter after quarter. Now reality is catching up with big business.
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Greek talks keep trading subdued
Stock indexes closed slightly lower Monday as talks dragged on between Greek political leaders over a fresh cost-cutting package required for the country to get more bailout loans.
Continued ... - Monday, February 6, 2012
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Redbox to start streaming service
Phone company Verizon Communications Inc. will challenge Netflix and start a video streaming service this year with Redbox and its DVD rental kiosks.
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Agriculture forum: Growing farm-school partnership
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