Gunite’s Elkhart workers to lose jobs

A local business is shutting down, leaving hundreds of workers without a job. Gunite told workers Wednesday it will close its Elkhart plant. 225 people will lose their jobs by May 1. Company officials say this wasn't an easy decision, and are placing the blame on the economy. Work continues at the Gunite plant despite the news "We did hold employee meetings yesterday where we did talk through the notification that there would be the facility closure," says Gunite spokesperson Eva Schmitz. The company makes castings for commercial trucks. As the trucking industry has suffered, so has Accuride, Gunite's parent company. For that reason, the company is consolidating its factory operations. Gunite's operations will be moved to facilities in Rockford, Illinois, and Brillon, Wisconsin. "In no way should the decision be viewed as a reflection on the performance of the team members of the leadership at the facility. The decision was based upon the fact that it is more economically feasible to move a machining operation such as in Elkhart than the actual foundry portion of the operation," says Schmitz. 225 employees work at the Elkhart plant. They are eligible to apply for positions at the other locations. However, exact staffing there has not yet been determined. WSBT spoke with a few employees while at the plant Thursday. Some were shocked. Others say they saw it coming. Either way, it is a big blow, both to them and the area. "It is always sad to see another factory close its doors," says Elkhart County Commissioner Mike Yoder. Yoder was disappointed about the news, but says there is still reason to be hopeful. "Factories were closing before the recession. Factories will close after the recession. We need to continue to focus on the positive. We are bringing new jobs to the area. We have planted seeds that will bring jobs to Elkhart County," says Yoder. Gunite laid off about 130 employees earlier this year, and Accuride filed for bankruptcy in October.