PPG to Close Lafayette Plant
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Pittsburgh-based PPG Industries Inc. (NYSE: PPG) has notified the state it intends to close its plant in Lafayette this fall, leaving 54 workers without jobs. The paint and coatings manufacturer says it is shutting down the facility in September, blaming “fluctuating demand” in the automotive industry.
In a statement to Inside INdiana Business, the company said, “over the past several months, the automotive industry has been impacted by many challenges including raw material shortages, fluctuating demand, and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.”
The company says in response it needs to improve efficiencies, which includes relocating its operations in Lafayette to other PPG locations.
“While these decisions are difficult, we believe this action will allow us to better meet the needs of our customers in the long term,” said PPG Industries Corporate Communications Director Mark Silvey.
The plant is a non-union shop and the company none of the affected employees have bumping rights to another PPG location. However, PPG says salaried employees will have the opportunity to apply for employment at other PPG facilities in the region.