Xerium Technologies Inc., Raleigh, N.C., USA, this week announced that it will implement a reorganization and consolidation plan that closes its Stowe Woodward, North Bay, Ont., Canada, facility. Production at this location is expected to cease by August 20. Stowe Woodward will continue to operate its U.S. facilities at Kelso, Wash.; Neenah, Wis.; Middletown, Va.; Charlotte, N.C.; Griffin, Ga.; Ruston, La.; and Concord, N.H.; It will also continue to operate the Queretaro, Mexico, plant.
"The paper industry has been contracting in North America over the last several years. Many paper machines have been permanently shutdown across North America," said Dave Pretty, president, Xerium North America and Europe PMC. "The demand for our products has been affected by these events. As a result, we are adjusting the way we do business and consolidating our roll cover operations in North America. By taking this action, we can strengthen our focus on our customers' needs and continue to offer them the newest roll covering, bowed roll, and mechanical service technology in the industry."
With 32 manufacturing facilities in 13 countries around the world, Xerium has approximately 3,300 employees.
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