VIENNA, Ohio (March 13, 2009)—Lexington Precision Corp., manufacturer of rubber and metal components for the auto and medical industries, is closing its Vienna facility over two weeks beginning May 29, laying off the remaining 150 workers at the plant.
The Vienna plant's reliance on original equipment automotive contracts meant its days were numbered in the current economic downturn, said Patrick J. Bucci, president of IUE-CWA Local 727, which organizes the facility.
When the economy was better, the plant employed some 200-225 workers, according to Bucci. “Due to the success of this facility, the company did additional building here and invested in new technology,” he said. “We got so big so fast, and when things slowed down, the balloon just burst.”
Right now the union is trying to negotiate a severance package for its workers, as well as the right of being hired first if Lexington decides to reopen the plant later, Bucci said.