Superior Industries To Cut 225 Jobs

VAN NUYS, Calif. (AP) - Superior Industries International Inc., a maker of cast and aluminum wheels for the auto industry, said Friday it plans to lay off 225 employees at its Fayetteville, Ark., chrome plating facility.

The job cuts are part a companywide restructuring. The company recorded a loss of $5.8 million in 2005 due to fewer orders from U.S. automakers.

Superior Industries Chief Executive Steven Borick said a recent shift in the market to less expensive bright finishing processes significantly reduced the sales outlook for the company's chromed products.

The company recorded a $7.9 million charge in the fourth quarter of 2005 in anticipation of the layoffs.