The Economy

Vehicle Systems Maker Plans to Close N.C. Plant

Jan. 19, 2010

Haldex, a Stockholm-based vehicle systems manufacturer, said it plans to consolidate operations at two of its U.S. facilities, resulting in the closing of its Statesville, N.C., facility.

Josh Cable

The Haldex plant in Statesville, N.C., will be closed after the company transfers the plant's manufacturing operations to the Haldex facility in Rockford, Ill., according to the company. Both plants are part of the company's Hydraulics Division.

"Following the merger and investments, the plant in Rockford will be a state-of-the-art operation with world-class processes in line with the lean manufacturing principles for production, development, quality, logistics and customer support," the company said.

The consolidation "will be implemented in mid-2010," the company said. A number of employees in Statesville will be given the opportunity to relocate to Rockford, according to Haldex.

"The merger is logical because the plants manufacture similar products," said Joakim Olsson, president and CEO of Haldex.

"This measure will enable us to take another step towards an optimized and cost-efficient group structure, enabling us to focus on areas where we can achieve a sustainable market position with innovative and leading products."

About the Author

Josh Cable | Former Senior Editor

Former Senior Editor Josh Cable covered innovation issues -- including trends and best practices in R&D, process improvement and product development. He also reported on the best practices of the most successful companies and executives in the world of transportation manufacturing, which encompasses the aerospace, automotive, rail and shipbuilding sectors.

Josh also led the IndustryWeek Manufacturing Hall of Fame, IW’s annual tribute to the most influential executives and thought leaders in U.S. manufacturing history.

Before joining IndustryWeek, Josh was the editor-in-chief of Penton Media’s Government Product News and Government Procurement. He also was an award-winning beat reporter for several small newspapers in Northeast Ohio.

Josh received his BFA in creative writing from Bowling Green University, and continued his professional development through course-work at Ohio University and Cuyahoga Community College.

A lifelong resident of the Buckeye State, Josh currently lives in the Tremont neighborhood of Cleveland. When the weather cooperates, you’ll find him riding his bike to work, exercising his green thumb in the backyard or playing ultimate Frisbee.