Libbey officials say the move is part of its ongoing effort to improve its cost structure and operating efficiency.
About 275 workers will be affected by the closure, which is expected be complete on or about March 27, 2009. Libbey will continue to continuing to service the North American foodservice dinnerware market with imported dinnerware under both the Syracuse China and World Tableware brands.
While considerable efforts have been made at Syracuse China to reduce costs, the operations continue to fall short of our strategic expectations,” said John F. Meier, chairman and chief executive officer. “This restructuring of Syracuse China will improve Libbey’s competitiveness in 2009 and beyond."
Libbey also says it plans to close its Mira Loma, California glassware distribution center, which employs approximately 30 people, as another way to slash costs. The doors will shut in May 2009 and the company will not renew its lease that expires in June 2009. Customers who are currently serviced by the Mira Loma facility will be serviced by one of the company’s other North American distribution centers.
On a good note for Ohio, Libbey plans to spend $25 million to overhaul and upgrade equipment at its Toledo facility over the next three years. The state of Ohio recently awarded the company a $100,000 Rapid Outreach Grant to help offset some of the cost. Libbey – which began manufacturing glass products in 1818 – produces an extensive line for a variety of markets from restaurant and retail to business and industrial users.
The company employs about 1,200 at its Toledo Libbey Glass facility and is headquartered at another site in the city. For more information about the company visit www.libbey.com.