Vancouver factory will close, idling 71

Commercial Vehicle Group said today that it will close its Vancouver, Wash., manufacturing facility and shift the work to other North American plants, eliminating 71 local jobs.

The company said the plant, which produces interior soft trim and molded dash assemblies for the heavy truck industry as well as other products, employed more than 200 at its peak. It will be closed by the end of July.

"This extended downturn in the national and global economies has impacted our industry and end users particularly hard, which has forced us to examine our entire manufacturing footprint and consolidate operations to further reduce costs and create operational efficiencies in line with current market realities," said Jerry Armstrong, president of cab systems for the New Albany, Ohio-based company. "We regret the impact which this action will have on our Vancouver employees and their families, and we will assist them during this difficult time to help transition their lives."