New wheel manufacturer named
By Cathy Dobson www.theobserver.ca The Observer
The former UBE Automotive plant will be known as Sarnia Wheels Inc. when ownership is handed over in a few weeks to a new group of principals, real estate broker Kenn Poore said Monday. “The principals behind Sarnia Wheels Inc. have worldwide experience in the manufacture and supply of auto parts for some of the world’s best known brands,” he said in a release. “I am thrilled for the community that manufacturing will continue at the plant. It is great news for the local economy.”
Poore said he came forward Monday to stop the rumour mill related to the plant’s future. More details will be released about the owners when the deal closes in December, he said.
Poore confirmed earlier the principals are Canadian but little else is known about them.
“I want to end any speculation in the community. We have a real buyer with real experience in the business,” he said.
UBE shut down production at the end of September. The Japanese-owned plant had been laying employees off for months and only a handful remained when the final wheel came off the line, said plant manager Rob McPherson. Twenty-one UBE employees continue to report to work and six will stay on after the plant changes ownership. They’ll be there to complete financial audits for UBE and ensure its service obligations are met, McPherson said.
The principals behind Sarnia Wheels Inc. have confirmed through Poore that the plant will continue to manufacture auto wheels but it’s unclear how large a workforce will be hired. “They still have commercial contracts to complete and they still have to acquire equipment,” he said. Most of UBE’s equipment will remain in the building, however some will need to be replaced, Poore added.
“As details are ironed out, Sarnia Wheels Inc. will make future announcements,” he said. “It’s a real good news story.”
Observer Article ID# 2167761
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