Affinia to Close Montreal Brake Pad Plant

The Affinia Under Vehicle Group announced the intention to close its Montreal, Que., manufacturing facility.
“As we continue to review our overall service parts business in light of today’s market conditions, it is clearly necessary to further reduce our operational costs," said John R. Washbish, VP and general manager of the Affinia Under Vehicle Group . "In the case of our brake pad business, we find ourselves with more manufacturing locations than we can support."
The Montreal manufacturing facility produces stamped brake pad backing plates as well as mixes and moulds disc pad sets. The company will examine available alternatives in respect of the stamping of backing plates, while disc brake pad moulding will be consolidated into existing remaining manufacturing locations over the next several months, stated Washbish.
Affinia will offer the more than 300 employees outplacement support and placement services during the transition according to Joe Lavarra, VP of manufacturing, Affinia Under Vehicle Group.