Trostel to merge two molding operations

LAKE GENEVA, Wis. (Sept. 10)—Trostel Ltd. plans to merge its rubber molding division in Lake Geneva with the firm's other molding operation at its newer plant in Whitewater, Wis., which could result in the loss of as many as 25 jobs. The move is being made to take advantage of the Whitewater facility's lean manufacturing technology, according to James Bindl, vice president of human resources. Trostel expects the merger ultimately will cut costs and make it more productive. Because Trostel presently has two rubber molding units, it made sense to move the division from the older 125,000-sq.-ft. Lake Geneva site to the more modern building 23 miles away, he said.