Date: 11 February 2009
It will shut down its Jerry Run float glass manufacturing facility located in Bridgeport, West Virginia in response to a continuing downturn in the US marketplace for flat glass, especially in the automotive sector. A temporary workforce reduction will also be carried out at its Blue Ridge pattern glass plant located in Kingsport Tennessee. This reduction is primarily in response to a decline in export demand. Beginning today, the company will cease glassmaking operations at its Jerry Run plant (WV).
Approximately 232 employees will be affected by the plant shutdown. The temporary workforce reduction at the Blue Ridge facility (TN) will affect an additional 100 employees. “While necessitated by market forces over which we have no control, we regret the effect this decision has on our Jerry Run and Blue Ridge employees, their families, and the local community,” says Kitterman. “Our focus will be on helping our people through this difficult time.”
“Today’s volatile economic environment requires a new level of agility and flexibility for manufacturers, ” notes Kitterman. “As the business environment changes, we are constantly evaluating current market conditions, the capacity and cost structure of all our facilities, and the efficiency of our transportation and logistics systems. This enables us to make the strategic decisions that position AGC for future profitability and success—as well as continued leadership and innovation in the flat glass market.”
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About AGC Flat Glass North America
Founded in 1978 and headquartered in Alpharetta, Georgia, AGC Flat Glass North America (formerly AFG) is one of the largest flat glass manufacturers in North America, with three core product segments: solar glass, value-added building products, and automotive glass. AGC operates facilities in Kingsport, Tennessee; Church Hill, Tennessee; Richmond, Kentucky; Spring Hill, Kansas; and Abingdon, Virginia. The company is part of Japan-based Asahi Glass Co., Ltd.—the world leader in glass production. Learn more at www.na.agc-flatglass.com or www.agc-flatglass.com.
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