MSA To Cease Production at Quebec Facility
PITTSBURGH, Dec. 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- MSA (Amex: MSA) announced today that it will close a facility in St. Romuald, Quebec Canada that manufactures specialized recreational and fire service helmets, on or about June 1, 2004. MSA notified the facility's 85 employees today. MSA assumed production of the helmet line in May 2002 as part of its acquisition agreement with CGF Gallet of France.
"MSA is taking this action for several reasons," said Ron Herring, general manager, MSA Safety Products Division. "Production of the recreational helmet line has been the primary manufacturing activity at the Quebec facility but our commitment to produce these helmets is nearing completion. This difficult decision is in no way a reflection of the performance of the Quebec associates."
The plant closure will occur in phases, with all employees being retained through February 2, 2004. Some employees will be asked to stay on through the June 2004 closing. Hourly employees at the facility will receive pay and benefits through their respective termination dates, and MSA will provide severance and outplacement assistance to all affected associates. A small group of employees will be offered positions at other MSA facilities.
"MSA intends to make this transition as smooth as possible for our Quebec associates as we phase out production at the facility over the coming months," Herring added.
Established in 1914, MSA is the world's leading provider of quality products and services that protect people's health and safety and the environment. The company has annual sales of approximately $650 million, with manufacturing operations throughout the United States and 28 international affiliates.
SOURCE Mine Safety Appliances Company
