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Benteler Automotive To Close Ala. Plant

The Opelika plant is expected to remain open over the next five to six months while transition of manufacturing operations move to South Carolina and Mexico. The mayor said he is "confident" that Benteler employees will find other jobs, and that the company and the community will provide support in that pursuit.

OPELIKA, Ala. (AP) — An automotive industry firm is announcing plans to close its Opelika plant, which would put about 121 employees out of work soon.

The Opelika-Auburn News reports (http://bit.ly/12DDwXF) that Benteler Automotive Corp. on Tuesday announced the closure of its facility at the Northeast Opelika Industrial Park.

Officials said the Auburn Hills, Mich.-based company is making corporate cutbacks due to global restructuring.

The Opelika plant is expected to remain open over the next five to six months while transition of manufacturing operations move to South Carolina and Mexico.

"Of course, we're very disappointed that Benteler had to make this corporate decision to discontinue operations in Opelika, but I'm very appreciative of the jobs that were being provided there," Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller said.

The mayor said he is "confident" that Benteler employees will find other jobs, and that the company and the community will provide support in that pursuit.

Fuller says the final production date at Benteler is expected to be somewhere between November and December.

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Information from: Opelika-Auburn News, https://oanow.com/

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