Ferguson cuts 20 in Allen County according to the Gazette: The move will eliminate an estimated 20 jobs at Ferguson Fire & Fabrication Inc.'s Wells Street plant, said Kent L. Prosser, business manager for Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 166. The plant employs four union members, including three who have worked for Ferguson for more than 25 years.
A spokeswoman for parent company Ferguson Enterprises Inc. declined to provide the number of employees at that location. The company does not comment on personnel matters, but spokeswoman Denise Vaughn said the number of workers was lower than the union's estimate.
The recession forced the Newport News, Va., company to close the plant, which manufactures fire suppression sprinkler systems, Vaughn said.
The Wells Street location's last day of business will be Aug. 28.
Ferguson also cited a competitive local environment in a letter notifying the union of the closure, Prosser said.
Ferguson plans to relocate some employees to other locations, Vaughn said. She declined to say how many could be transferred.
The plant's production workers won't be relocated, though some managers will be transferred, Prosser said. The union employees earn $25 to $27 an hour on average, including benefits.
Ferguson will maintain its plumbing supply store catering to contractors at 2219 Contractors Way, Vaughn said. Ferguson Fire & Fabrication's other Midwest locations will continue to serve local clients. More at: http://www.journalgazette.net/article/20090821/BIZ13/308219944/1031/BIZ