Owatonna, Minn.-based Viracon Inc. has announced that it will cease operations at its manufacturing plant in St. George, Utah, in mid-April. The company plans to re-open the plant in approximately two years.
Company officials say the temporary closure will allow the company to “better align overall capacity with the demand expected over the next two years.”
“This was a very difficult but necessary decision that we had hoped to avoid,” says Viracon president Kelly Schuller. “Our St. George workforce has done a great job, but the prolonged construction downturn required us to act to improve our operating efficiencies and maintain our competitive position.”
Some upgrades to the plant’s coating capabilities are planned during the closure, according to an announcement from the company.
“Viracon plans to expand low-E coating capabilities that align with the coatings offered at the Owatonna, Minn., facility,” says Kevin Anez, director of marketing and product management, who adds that the plant’s current offerings included insulating, laminated and monolithic products with some coating capabilities.
The plant currently employs 222. Company officials are discussing relocation opportunities with employees on a “case-by-case basis,” according to the announcement.
Production schedules, deliveries and lead times are not expected to be affected by the closure.
Viracon also operates plants in Owatonna and Statesboro, Ga., where capacity will be absorbed. Just last year, the company invested millions of dollars to upgrade the Statesboro facility.
