Navistar International Corporation announced it will close its foundry operations in Indianapolis, Indiana, where it currently produces engine blocks and heads for its proprietary engines. Going forward, the company will source these components from the supply base.
This transition will occur during the first half of next year, and the company expects to complete the foundry closure in the summer of 2015.
"Over the last two years, we've taken a number of steps to strengthen our business and position the company for a return to profitability and long-term success," said Persio Lisboa, Navistar's president of operations. "We've determined that leveraging our suppliers for these components will reduce our engine costs, improve our overall manufacturing capacity utilization, and free up additional resources to invest in our core North America truck and parts business."
Once completed, closing the Indianapolis foundry is expected to eliminate approximately 180 jobs and reduce Navistar's operating costs by about $13 million annually. The company took an $11 million charge in Q4 2014 that includes employee separation benefits, pension, and other postretirement contractual termination benefits, inventory reserves and other related costs. In addition, the company anticipates up to $40 million in additional charges for accelerated depreciation related to the closure of the Indianapolis foundry and related impacts during the first half of 2015.
"Closing a facility is a difficult decision because of its impact on the many great people who've been part of our company," Lisboa added. "We will treat people with dignity and respect throughout this process."