BTR Sealing to close Tennessee plants

MARYVILLE, Tenn. (August 14)—BTR Sealing Systems North America will phase out operations at its extrusion and finishing plants in Tennesee, putting 650 employees out of work by this time next year. In a written release, BTR said it had not yet determined an exact closure date. The company cited the need to rationalize excess North American capacity as the reason behind the closures and said it will transfer capacity to its other plants in Keokuk, Iowa; Reidsville, N.C.; Frederick, Okla., and Mexico.