London auto parts maker Accuride slated to be closed in the new year
The union representing workers at the Accuride plant in London, Ont. says the company has informed them that operations will be winding down in the new year.
The east London plant located on Firestone Blvd. has more than 200 employees, including 187 members of UNIFOR Local 27.
For a period in the mid-1990’s, the London operation had more than 600 unionized workers.
Accuride manufactures steel wheels, primarily used in GM dual-wheel pick-up trucks.
The plant has operated under a cloud of uncertainty for more 20 years.
Accuride is currently owned by private equity group Crestview Partners - the auto parts maker slipped into bankruptcy protection in the United States, and Crestview announced last month that it was seeking a buyer for the Canadian operation.
Accuride Canada is slated for closure in in early 2025 (Gerry Dewan/CTV News London)
They reported to the union that no buyer could be found, and the London plant will be shuttered.
UNIFOR national representative Luis Domingues puts part of the blame for the plant’s struggles at the feet of the ownership group.
Domingues told CTV News that private equity owners are less inclined to invest in operational upgrades, resulting in a steady decline in production efficiency.
He said the employees continued to pride themselves on turning out high-quality products despite the challenges they faced.
Domingues said the focus now will be on getting the best possible severance packages for those workers and assisting them in finding new employment.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Canada Post strike: Union 'extremely disappointed' in latest offer, negotiator says
A negotiator for the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) says the latest offer from Canada Post to end the ongoing strike shows the carrier is moving in the "opposite direction."
Canada's air force took video of object shot down over Yukon, updated image released
The Canadian military has released more details and an updated image of the unidentified object shot down over Canada's Yukon territory in February 2023.
Long time coming: Taylor Swift's Eras Tour arrives at final stop in Vancouver
Pop superstar Taylor Swift greeted some 55,000 eager fans in downtown Vancouver Friday with what’s become a familiar opening line.
Invasive species could be hiding in your Christmas decor. Here's how to stop the spread
Make sure to look through your holiday decorations, as Christmas trees, wreaths, and other natural decor can have invasive insects, eggs, and plants that pose a threat to local ecosystems and the economy.
'Shameful': Monument honouring fallen soldiers included names of living veterans
Veterans are asking for answers after discovering that two sculptures in Ontario honouring fallen soldiers include the names of many people who are very much alive.
WATCH LIVE 61st annual Christmas Daddies Telethon airs Saturday on CTV
A beloved yearly tradition, the Christmas Daddies Telethon airs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7, on CTV.
Northern Ontario man sentenced for killing his dog
WARNING: This article contains graphic details of animal abuse which may be upsetting to some readers. A 40-year-old northern Ontario man is avoiding prison after pleading guilty to killing his dog earlier this year.
One out of 10 Canadians had packages stolen in the past year: survey
One out of 10 Canadians say they have had at least one package stolen in the last year, according to a survey.
Calgary company steps up to help grieving family with free furnace after fatal carbon monoxide poisoning
A Calgary furnace company stepped up big time Friday to help a Calgary family grieving the loss of a loved one.