LAKE FOREST, Ill.—Tenneco Inc. said it will shut down a plant in Gijon, Spain, and reorganize another in Sint-Truiden, Belgium, that make aftermarket shock absorbers and antivibration producs, moves that will cost about 480 workers their jobs.
The company blamed weak economic conditions in Europe for its decision.
Tenneco said its plans are subject to consultation with the employee works councils.
At the Belgium factory the firm will refocus production on more highly automated, advanced component production and final assembly, reducing the number of high labor assembly operations, Tenneco said.
Tenneco expects to record charges of $63 million related to the changes, of which $55 million will be recorded in the third quarter.
Last month the firm closed an aftermarket products facility in Vittaryd, Sweden.