WisBusiness: Chromalox to shut two state plants

WisBusiness.com

Chromalox announced today that rising costs are forcing it to close plants in two southern Wisconsin communities in July and lay off a total of 110 workers. The company makes electrical heating and control products.

Company officials said restructuring is forcing it to shut down its factories in Albany, where 80 employees will be terminated; and Orfordville, where 30 will lose their jobs.

They said the positions will be moved to other manufacturing locations and it said workers will be given the chance to relocate.

“Our Wisconsin plants have been consistent contributors to our success, so the decision to close these facilities is extremely difficult,” Jorge Hidalgo, chief operating officer, said in a statement.

“However, consolidation of our operations is necessary to maintain our competitive advantage as materials costs rise and market pressures increase.”

Chromalox makes electric heat and control products, including heating components, immersion heaters, circulation systems, heat transfer systems, boilers, industrial and comfort air heating, heat trace cables, sensors and precision electronic controls.