MPG to close Brillion foundry

Metaldyne Performance Group Inc., (MPG) Southfield, Michigan, which provides engineered components for use in powertrain and suspension applications for the global light, commercial and industrial vehicle markets, has announced it will be closing Wisconsin-based Brillion Iron Works, which the company acquired from Accuride Corp. in early September.

MPG says the Brillion foundry will cease molding and melt operations by the fourth quarter of 2016.

"A severe downturn in the heavy truck, mining, agriculture and industrial markets is forcing the foundry industry to consolidate production into fewer facilities," says Doug Grimm, president and COO of MPG. "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."

The existing Brillion business will be transferred to MPG casting plants in Browntown, Wisconsin; Reedsburg, Wisconsin; St. Cloud, Minnesota; Iron Mountain, Michigan; and New Castle, Indiana.