GenCorp in talks over future of Irish plant

FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. (Jan. 22)—GenCorp Inc.´s vehicle sealing division subsidiary, Henniges Elastomer und Kunststofftechnik GmbH & Co. K.G., is reviewing the future of its automotive components plant in Ballina, Ireland. Over the last 12 months, the 170-employee facility returned "an unfavorable operating result due to difficulties in retaining staff and the strength of the Irish Punt vs. other currencies," a GenCorp spokeswoman said. The company has opened talks with union and local government officials to discuss alternatives for the County Mayo plant, she said. While GenCorp is looking for restructuring opportunities following its recent acquisition of the Draftex sealing operations, the situation at Henniges is a separate issue, the spokeswoman said.