DEWITT, N.Y. (AP) — A Syracuse-area manufacturing company that has been in business for nearly 125 years has shut down production.
WSYR-TV in Syracuse reports (http://bit.ly/O9ntGU) that the last auto parts assembly lines at New Process Gear in suburban DeWitt shut down Thursday. The plant will be completely closed by the end of the year.
New Process employed about 4,000 workers at its peak making parts for cars and trucks. But the plant has been losing money for years. Its Canadian owner, Magna International, decided in 2009 to close the factory after unionized workers rejected contract concessions.
The company produced hardened rawhide for use as gears when it was founded in 1888. In 1913, the name was changed to New Process Gear as it switched to making metal automotive gears.