CRANE DEMING Co. official says future of plant hinges on pact

Crane's CFO said any closing depends on contract talks.
By D.A. WILKINSON
VINDICATOR SALEM BUREAU
SALEM -- It's not clear if Crane Deming Pump Co. is closing.
Mayor Larry DeJane said today that he has been told by the union that the plant will close in 2005. DeJane said he was told of the move Friday by councilman Steven Andres, president of the United Steelworkers of America Local 2463. The union represents about 80 of the 120 workers at the plant.
The union was informed of the move Friday during a negotiating session, according to DeJane.
But Greg Tucker, the chief financial officer at Deming in Piqua, Ohio, said today the closing depends on contract talks.
The union contract expires at the end of October, said Tucker.
Andres could not be reached this morning. He was reportedly in a meeting with company officials.
At the Salem plant today, the company either hung up when asked for information or referred calls to the corporate office.
The company makes pumps for a variety of industrial uses.
DeJane said the closing would hurt the city's income.
wilkinson@vindy.com