Vernay to close two Ohio plants

YELLOW SPRINGS, Ohio (June 18)—Vernay Laboratories Inc. will close two production facilities because of shifts in new product needs from customers, excess capacity in the company's North American plants, and the completion of the firm's environmental cleanup. The rubber product manufacturer will shutter its Yellow Springs automotive and specialty products facility by the end of 2002 and its medical products plant by mid-2003, the company said. About 185 Vernay employees will be affected by the closings. Manufacturing completed at the two sites will transfer to other Vernay plants in the U.S. The company said it will maintain its headquarters and research and development at its third Yellow Springs facility.