Updated 6:25 p.m.
by Ashley Roberts, Reporter
aroberts@wsls.com
Brian Shirk's truck and auto repair shop sits across the road from Acument.
He says news of the place closing has been running through the rumor mill for years. "Last couple of years we've heard that on and off on and off."
On Wednesday, the rumors became reality.
Acument Global Technologies just announced its Wytheville manufacturing facility, which is a global fastener supplier for automotive customers, will be closing next year putting 162 people out of work.
"I've got about eight customers over there," said Shirk. "I've only talked to one today and he's reaction of course was not good...basically he's looking for another job. He's been at the place for over ten years and having to move on."
According to Acument Communications Director Timothy Weir, the plant is closing simply because business has gone down. "The auto industry has been in a slow down this year. It's not expected to recover in 2009. After operating the plant at unprofitable levels for awhile we've had to make this decision unfortunately."
The plant will start laying off employees at the beginning of next year and close by the end.
"I know a couple of them that just purchased a new car so now they've got that extra payment and I know that's going to hit them pretty hard also, but I hope the best for them and hopefully they can find another job somewhere else close to home," said Shirk.
In a news release, Acument says it intends to give employees adequate time to explore other employment opportunities and make a transition plan for their families.
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WYTHEVILLE, Va. - A company that manufactures automotive fastener parts plans to close its Wytheville plant next year, eliminating about 160 jobs.
A spokesman for Acument Global Technologies said Wednesday the closing is due to "very difficult automotive industry conditions." Timothy Weir says sales and use of plant capacity are down, and employment has declined steadily from 200 jobs last year to 162.
Weir is with the Acument's North America division based in Troy, Mich. He says workers and local government officials were informed of the closing Wednesday morning.
The 170,000-square-foot Wytheville plant makes fasteners for automotive and industrial applications.
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