Wheel maker Superior Industries International Inc., supplier to many major automakers, including the Big Three, announced yesterday that it will close its plant in Van Nuys, California and slash 290 workers, about 9% of its workforce. The cuts are the result of poor vehicle sales worldwide, which has translated to poor demand for wheels. Chief Financial Officer Erika Turner says the Van Nuys plant had fallen below profitability and did not seem headed for better fortune any time soon. Few were surprised by the decision to close the plant. Superior has cut a number of employees and plants since 2006, and retains only 5 of its plants ? two in the United States and 3 abroad. Analysts have predicted a 25% decrease in Superior?s productivity for the year.
See "Wheel maker Superior will close Van Nuys plant, cut 290 workers", Mark Medina, Los Angeles Times, January 13, 2009