The Woodbridge Group to close Ont. facility

The Woodbridge Group, a Mississauga, Ont.-based manufacturer of automotive polyurethane foam parts, has announced the closure of its plant in Corunna, Ont. Operations at the facility are expected to end in December 2007. The Corunna facility has been manufacturing energy absorbing foam products for the automotive industry since April 1999.

The closure will result in the loss of 182 jobs. In an official press release, plant manager Brian Perry noted that the shift from engineered polyurethane products to alternatives such as lower-cost plastics significantly eroded the company’s sales.

“Certainly, the appreciated Canadian dollar and increased operational costs have also contributed to our inability to compete in the U.S. market,” he added.

The Woodbridge Group has a strong global presence, with facilities in North and South America, Europe, Australia and Asia. The companys websites boasts 64 facilities in 58 cities and 20 different countries.