Avalon Precision Metalsmiths, an investment casting foundry group formed by a merger earlier this year, plans to close one of its four plants. According to local reports, the plant in Euclid, OH, will be closed, in favor of a more modern operation nearby. The plant’s activities will be reassigned to a foundry in Markesan, WI, over the coming three to nine months.
Last April, Avalon Precision Casting purchased Precision Metalsmiths Inc., bringing together two precision casting operations, one (Avalon) specializing in cast parts up to 100 lb., and the other (Precision) producing smaller investment castings. PMI’s products are parts that weigh “ounces” up to 20 lb.
Finished products include parts for pumps and valves, oil-and-gas fixtures, food and dairy equipment components, military equipment, and general industrial parts. As described in April, the merger was a strategic linking of production capacity and capability.
At that time, each company had two foundries operating in Ohio and two in Wisconsin. The value of the consolidation was not announced.
Now, Avalon Precision Metalsmiths CEO Doug Ciabotti told the Plain Dealer in Cleveland, the group has concluded one of the Ohio foundries is too outdated to function efficiently. He added that the operation in Euclid, has had declining sales volumes.
"It was an unfortunate decision, but one that was forced upon us by external influences," Ciabotti said. The 50 workers at the Euclid plant reportedly will be offered severance packages, and may be eligible to fill openings at the second Cleveland-area plant, in Brookpark, OH.
“In the past two years, that location has grown to 100 employees from 60,” he said, “and, while the company has 30 openings right now, half are located in Brookpark."