Littelfuse, a manufacturer of circuit protection products, said Thursday it plans to transfer production and distribution from its Chicago-area facilities in Des Plaines and Elk Grove Village to locations in Mexico and the Philippines.
Littelfuse currently employs about 600 people in the Chicago area in manufacturing, distribution, corporate and technical functions. Approximately 300 employees will remain after the restructuring is completed.
Manufacturing operations in the Des Plaines facility will be moved to existing company locations in Mexico for automotive products, and the Philippines for electronic products.
The company's corporate offices will remain in the Chicago area.
“Today’s announcement is consistent with other decisions we have made to simplify our business and relocate manufacturing to lower-cost areas that are closer to our customers,” said Gordon Hunter, CEO of Littelfuse. “As always, the most difficult part of this decision was the impact it will have on our employees. We have a skilled and dedicated workforce that has made many valuable contributions to our growth and success over the years.”
The phased transition is scheduled to be completed by mid-2009 and is expected to generate $10 million in annual savings once completed.