Aluminum plant to close

STAFF REPORT

GREENVILLE, Pa. — Signature Aluminum is closing its plant here because of a sinking economy.

The Greenville-based company was suffering from declining sales and a drop in the price of aluminum, said Chris Durniok, director of human resources.

“Business has been horrible. We are heavily invested in the automotive and construction industries,” he said.

Durniok said the company’s lender foreclosed on its outstanding debt, and Signature could not obtain additional credit.

“There’s no easy way around it if you don’t get additional money pumped in,” he said.

The closings will occur over the next several weeks.

The plant employed 300 about 18 months ago, but the staff has dwindled to 40.

The company said its Aluminum Shapes business in New Jersey and Signature Aluminum Canada are independent operations and will stay in business.

The Greenville plant used to be the extrusion division of R.D. Werner, which formerly operated a ladder-making operation in Greenville.