As the company continues to align itself to best serve its markets and customers, Southwire announced that it will close the operations at its Flora, Illinois manufacturing facility. Full plant operation will subside in the first quarter of 2017, and the facility will continue to operate at a limited capacity until the fourth quarter.

“The Southwire Flora Plant has been in existence since 1974 and has provided foundational support for the company’s success in the bare overhead transmission market for many years. This decision is not a reflection on the people, the quality or the performance of the facility, nor is it one we take lightly,” said Charlie Murrah, president of Southwire’s Power Systems & Solutions Group. “As our market conditions change, we must ensure we are properly aligned to make the best use of our facilities. Bare overhead transmission is a core product for our utility business, and these changes ensure we are able to meet the needs of our customers for the long term.”

In addition, the company announced it will move its operations at the Southwire Dallas Customer Service Center in Arlington, Texas to the company’s newly acquired facility in Denton, Texas. This transition will begin in the first quarter of 2017 with all operations to be relocated by the end of the second quarter.

“Upon the recent acquisition of United Copper, we took the time to assess how we could best maximize our resources across the Southwire footprint. With the close proximity of these two locations, we believe that consolidating these two operations under one roof is the best decision,” said Norman Adkins, president of Southwire’s Construction Systems & Solutions group. “The Denton facility is comprised of both manufacturing and distribution, allowing us to serve our customers more quickly and more efficiently, specifically those in the Southwest and Central United States.”

Eligible employees at both the Flora and Arlington facilities will have the opportunity to bid on open positions at other Southwire locations. Those who do not wish to transfer to another Southwire facility will be offered severance packages.

“As we transition, we want to make sure that those affected by these decisions are treated with dignity and respect,” said Rich Stinson, Southwire’s president and CEO. “Though decisions like these are tough, I believe great things are in store for Southwire. We will continue to work together as we find new ways to better serve our customers, our markets, our employees and our communities. I am thankful to lead such a great organization.”

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