Leon Interiors Inc.'s main product categories include: door armrests, console armrests, decorative trim, instrument panel trim. Photo via Leonplastics.com
A Tier II supplier of soft interior trim components to the North American automotive industry announced today it will close its Wyoming facility.
Leon Interiors, which is headquartered in Grand Rapids, said it would close its Wyoming facility during the first quarter of 2016.
The company said the closure would result in the elimination of approximately 125 active positions as well as the positions of approximately 75 employees who had been laid off for more than a year.
The permanent layoffs will likely begin in the November.
Reason for closure
The company said it is closing the Wyoming facility because current production runs are ending, leaving the company without enough business to keep the facility open.
“Unfortunately, most new interior trim programs for the North American region are being sourced in low-cost production countries, primarily Mexico,” the company said in a statement.
About Leon Interiors
Leon Interiors operates as a subsidiary of Motus Integrated Technologies, a Tier I automotive interiors supplier in Holland. Motus purchased the company earlier this year.
Leon Interiors’ product lines include door armrests, console armrests, decorative trim and instrument panel trim.
Its largest automotive customer is General Motors.
In addition to the Wyoming facility, Leon Interiors has manufacturing facilities in Ramos Arizpe, Arteaga and Saltillo, Mexico.
Employee assistance
“We have a dedicated workforce at Leon and they have helped make us a quality interior trim supplier,” said Tom Worswick, vice president of operations. “We recognize the hardship a closure creates for them and their families.”
The company will offer severance packages to salaried employees and is negotiating with the UAW Local 19 for severance packages for hourly employees.
The company said it would continue to work with its employees and their representatives to protect their interests and treat employees with dignity during the wind down of the facility.
Steven Blow, of Eisbrenner Public Relations, said the company would work with Michigan Works! to try and help employees find job opportunities.
