IAC to close Carlisle plant by December, layoff 152

International Automotive Components Group (IAC), a Dearborn, Mich.-based maker of parts for the automotive industry, announced today it will close its plant in Carlisle and layoff about 152 workers.

The plant will close by December and IAC will offer workers outplacement and job search opportunities, according to the company.

IAC decided to close the plant because it no longer fit into the company's consolidated manufacturing footprint, according to a statement.

IAC acquired the plant in 2006 when it entered a joint venture with former owners Lear Corp., an interior-parts maker for the automotive and aviation industries.

Since the acquisition, IAC has periodically reduced the number of workers at the plant and began moving equipment out. Workers said they were expecting the plant to close.

The production workers at the plant, represented by Unite Here Local 1739, turned down a contract offer last year that would have slashed their benefits. That accelerated the layoffs at the plant.

Union representatives could not immediately be reached.