Owens Corning has announced plans to close its manufacturing plant in New Braunfels, Texas, in summer 2008, with the loss of 120 jobs.
Employees were notified on 13 February 2008. The plant closed fo…
Owens Corning has announced plans to close its manufacturing plant in New Braunfels, Texas, in summer 2008, with the loss of 120 jobs. Employees were notified on 13 February 2008. The plant closed for the rest of the day but reopened on 14 February. Glass fiber reinforcements, woven fabrics used in marine, military and industrial applications, are made at the plant, company spokesman Jason Saragian said. “We will discontinue operations at the composite manufacturing facilities in New Braunfels and Ridgeway, South Carolina”, he said. “Most of the operations will be shifted to recently acquired facilities in Brunswick, Maine, and Wichita Falls by midsummer”. In November 2007, Owens Corning acquired the glass fiber reinforcements and composite fabrics businesses of Saint-Gobain Corp. for USD 640 million. Mr. Saragian said the target date for closure of the New Braunfels plant is 30 June 2008. “In no way is this a reflection on the employees at the facility, and we are committed to providing outplacement support for all employees”, he said. “We know this is a very significant event for the employees, and that is how we are treating it”. Officials from Alamo WorkSource had already visited the plant on 13 February 2008, and New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce President Michael Meek said the chamber will work with the regional job training organization to host job fairs and other help for those laid off.
