Champion Spark Plug to Close 2 Plants

Champion Spark Plug will consolidate its U.S. manufacturing operations by closing two plants, company officials said.

Under Champions’s plan, plants in Toledo and Detroit will be integrated over the next two years into the company’s Burlington, Iowa, and Cambridge, Ohio, facilities.

Plans call for the company and the United Auto Workers to meet regarding the timing and effects of the consolidation on production and maintenance personnel.

There currently are 245 salaried and hourly workers in Detroit and 403 in Toledo whose jobs would be affected.

Company officials said new jobs in Burlington and Cambridge would be created as a result of the move.

“We sincerely regret the impact this announcement would have on employees in Detroit and Toledo and on the two cities,” said Jerry Godwin, Champion president.

“Champion has been struggling for several years with an overcapacity of production facilities, while at the same time selling a product--spark plugs--whose overall market has declined,” Godwin said at a news conference.

Champion plants in Toledo produce spark plug shells and assemble the final spark plugs. The Detroit plant manufactures ceramic insulation used in the plug.

Champion is a division of Houston-based Cooper Industries Inc., which purchased the company last year.