Nov 20 2006
The Deceuninck Group, one of the world´s leading producers of PVC window systems and building profiles, announces that it will cease extrusion operations at its Oakland, New Jersey (USA) plant. The move is part of the integration of the Vinyl Building Products and Dayton Technologies acquisitions completed earlier by Deceuninck Group. The Pompton Plains, New Jersey, distribution centre shall remain operational to ensure uninterrupted service to Deceuninck’s customer base. This decision is an integral part of the Deceuninck Group’s business plan 2009 and is the final part of site optimisation.
The Oakland, New Jersey manufacturing plant became one of the Deceuninck North America production sites after the acquisition of Vinyl Building Products, part of Thyssen Polymer (Germany) in July 2003.
Deceuninck North America holds a leading position in the American PVC window profile extrusion market with sales of $ 170 million in 2005. The current production capacity of Deceuninck North America remains unchanged, but will be consolidated into its state-of-the art Monroe, Ohio and Little Rock, Arkansas facilities.
The transition will begin immediately and should be completed by the end of March 2007. Approximately 70 people will be affected by this consolidation and the company will make every attempt to identify further employment opportunities for those employees.
The costs related to this operation will be accrued for in the 2006 accounting figures.
“The decision to close down production at the Oakland site is part of our worldwide platform and streamlining projects that were started after the acquisition of Thyssen Polymer in 2003. Through much improved operating efficiencies resulting from this action we will become a more competitive industry leader, which will strengthen our position as a leading supplier to the North American PVC window market. This move leverages our state-of-the art facilities in a more efficient approach to the market. It also enables a greater focus on quality resulting in further improved service levels. Finally, it will strengthen the relationship with our customer base as we ensure the long term viability of our partnerships,” says Clement De Meersman, CEO of the Deceuninck Group.