Lennox to shut Lynwood factory

Lennox International Inc., a maker of heating and cooling equipment, plans to close its hearth-products plant in Lynwood and consolidate U.S. factory-built fireplace manufacturing operations at its Union City, Tenn., facility.

The consolidation will be completed by the end of the second quarter of 2008 at a projected cost of about $5 million, the company said Friday.

The “current downturn in the residential new construction market, combined with increasing competition,” helped prompt the decision, Chief Executive Todd Bluedorn said. Lennox Hearth Products manufactures and markets Lennox, Superior and Security brand fireplaces, stoves and other hearth products and accessories.