Pittsburgh Glass will close Ontario facility

Citing declining auto manufacturing volumes, Pittsburgh Glass will close its glass fabrication plant in Hawkesbury, Ontario in the first quarter of 2010.

The closing follows the announcement that the company will close two fabrication facilities and two satellite assembly facilities.

“We regret that the decision to close our Hawkesbury fabrication facility adversely affects the lives of many of our trusted associates and their families,” said Jim Wiggins, president and CEO. “We are responding to fundamental change in the global automotive OEM business that requires suppliers to adjust production and capacity downward to match the significant demand reductions coming from our customers. We are convinced that the steps we are taking are necessary to insure the long-term viability of our business and to prepare the company for the challenges immediately ahead.”

Pittsburgh Glass makes automotive glass products in six North American plants in the U.S. and Mexico, plus seven satellite parts assembly plants throughout North America and Europe and two service claims management call centres in Florida and Kentucky. The company employs a total of approximately 3,700 people.