BRILLION, WI (WTAQ) – More than 300 employees of a Calumet County foundry will be out of work after its owner announced it will be closing the location.
Metaldyne Performance Group (MPG) announced Brillion Iron Works will cease molding and melt operations by the end of the year.
The iron foundry was recently acquired by MPG from Accuride Corporation on Sept. 2. for $14 million.
Doug Grimm is President and COO of MPG.
“A severe downturn in the Heavy Truck, Mining, Agriculture and Industrial Markets is forcing the foundry industry to consolidate production into fewer facilities. This was a difficult decision that impacts Brillion’s dedicated and skilled workforce. Where feasible, we hope to relocate as many employees as possible to other MPG locations.”
Brillion Iron Works employs 293 hourly and 49 salaried employees. It is one of the county’s largest employers, along with Ariens Co.
The company says transfer opportunities will be made to employees.
Brillion’s city administrator, Lori Gosz, said the city was surprised by the closure
“the city was stunned by the new of the closing of the Brillion Iron Works. We feel for those individuals and families that will be affected by this. We will be taking time during the next weeks to assess the situation and evaluate opportunities.”
The business from the Brillion location will be transferred to five other MPG casting plants located in Browntown, WI; Reedsburg, WI; St. Cloud, MN; Iron Mountain, MI; and New Castle, IN.
