Kwikset Moving Anaheim Operations to S.C.

Kwikset Corp. said Friday that it will close its Anaheim manufacturing facility and transfer its make-to-order and special keying operations to its new plant in Fort Mill, S.C.

The Irvine door handle and lock maker said the relocation will begin in May and continue through year’s end and will result in the eventual termination of several hundred employees in Anaheim. The press release did not disclose a precise number and executives could not be reached for comment late Friday.

Kwikset said in the release that affected employees will be given 60 days’ notice and will be offered a severance package based on length of service.

The company, a subsidiary of Black & Decker, previously announced transfers of operations from Anaheim to other Kwikset locations.

“While it is always difficult to close a plant, this move is necessary in order to measurably increase the company’s efficiency, financial performance and competitive position,” said Chris Metz, Kwikset’s president.

“Consolidating manufacturing in South Carolina will enable us to improve customer service while reducing costs, cycle times and inventory.”

The move is part of a reorganization within Black & Decker’s hardware and home improvement group, which includes Kwikset and faucet maker Price Pfister in Pacoima.

The reorganization also will involve the integration of the two companies’ managerial and administrative personnel and their consolidation at a single location in Lake Forest. The corporate office relocation is scheduled to occur in December, the company said.

Kwikset makes locks, knobs, handles and other door hardware under the Kwikset, Titan and Black & Decker brand names.