After closing its car parts plant in Bennington almost a year ago, Plasan North America has announced that it is closing its military equipment plant on Bowan Road in Bennington. According to Vermont Business Magazine, Plasan employs 120 and manufactures plating for armored vehicles. Plasan Carbon Composites had employed 143 when it announced last February that it would close, which it did last spring. The Bennington Banner reports today that it will move operations to Walker, MI, by July. In the Banner story, Keith Rayborn, president of Plasan North America, cited declining military budgets in driving this decision. Plasan also consolidated the car parts operation in Michigan.
Lieutenant Governor Phil Scott issued the following statement in response to the announcement that Plasan North America is closing its Bennington plant:
"The closure of Plasan North America’s Vermont facility is a blow to the employees, their families and the Bennington region. The Plasan team has weathered many challenges in the past year, including 143 layoffs with the closure of Plasan Carbon Composites in May, 2014. I, along with many legislators, am ready to work in partnership with the Plasan workforce, regional organizations and the Administration to make sure there are opportunities for these employees to work and prosper in the community they helped build.
"This announcement is yet another clear sign that we in Montpelier must put our full focus on not only protecting, but on growing Vermont’s economy and face the reality that we are competing in a regional, national and global marketplace. We cannot continue to blame “forces beyond our control” for our job losses, but turn the mirror back on ourselves and ask ourselves: “What can we do to change the direction of this trend? How can we make Vermont better?”
"Bennington County, Windham County, all of Southern Vermont, I’ll be in your region on Monday, March 9, from 4 to 6 p.m. for a “Vermont Economy Pitch.” Together, with your ideas and input, we can build a brighter, more prosperous future for all Vermonters."