ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich. (AP) – Dura Automotive Systems Inc., which makes driver control systems, glass systems and other parts for the automotive industry, said Thursday it plans to close its Llanelli, United Kingdom-based manufacturing plant by the end of the year to improve its overall capacity utilization.
The plant, which employs about 270 people, makes automotive cable control systems.
The company has contacted the employees' AMICUS trade union to starts talks on the proposal.
''We operate in a very competitive automotive environment and are closely examining all of our facilities to ensure we meet our 50-cubed goals,'' Chairman and Chief Executive Larry Denton said in a statement.
DURA Automotive's 50-cubed efficiency strategy was created in February to heighten performance goals in quality, worldwide efficiency and profitability. The initiative includes a restructuring plan that aims to close about five to 10 manufacturing facilities worldwide by the end of next year. The company previously announced in May plans to shut its Brantford, Ontario, Canada plant, making it the first closure under the initiative.
DURA Automotive currently has 63 locations including plants joint venture companies and customer service centers in 14 countries.
Shares of the company shed 4 cents to $2.22 in early trading on the Nasdaq.