ELJER Plant's future worries workers

Salem's mayor said the city administration is willing to help save the plant.
By NORMAN LEIGH
VINDICATOR SALEM BUREAU
SALEM -- Eljer Plumbingware Co. officials have not responded to reports that its plant may be shutting down in coming weeks.
An Eljer worker said this morning that officials at the company, which produces cast-iron plumbing fixtures, told employees Friday that the plant's future is in jeopardy.
The employee, who did not want to give his name, did not elaborate.
Mayor Larry DeJane said this morning that he has been approached by retirees from the plant, which employs about 250 people. The former workers expressed concern about the plant's future, DeJane said.
DeJane said he has tried to contact officials at the Eljer plant, located at 921 S. Ellsworth Ave., but his calls have not been returned.
The Vindicator's effort today to reach Eljer officials also was unsuccessful.
Also unavailable was a spokeswoman for Eljer's parent company, Jacuzzi Brands, West Palm Beach, Fla.
Company statement
In a recently issued press release, Jacuzzi Brands said it is reviewing its operations, "principally Eljer, for cost-saving initiatives to restore profitability."
Jacuzzi Brands is a global manufacturer and distributor of bath and plumbing products for the residential, commercial and institutional markets. These include whirlpool baths, spas, showers, sanitary ware and bathtubs.
Its products are marketed under several brand names including, Eljer, Jacuzzi, Sundance, Zurn, Sanitan, Astracast and Rainbow.
DeJane said he would hate to see the company close its plant here. He added that the city is willing to do what it can to help.
"I don't want to lose one job, let alone 250," he said.
DeJane estimated that closure of the Eljer plant would cost the city about $60,000 annually in income taxes.