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February 4, 2025

After losing only contract, historic Plantsville manufacturer to close its doors

A manufacturer that has been a fixture in Southington for almost 160 years is to close its Plantsville facility, with the loss of 103 jobs, after it was dropped by a key customer.

Rex Forge says the closure will take place between Feb. 10 and Feb. 25. The company has operated continuously in the town since it was founded as the Atwater Manufacturing Co. in 1867. It makes hot metal forgings.

In a letter to the Connecticut Department of Labor, Rex Forge’s controller, Colleen Hedges, says the company was notified at the end of January by Ohio-based Dana Corp., its sole customer, that it was terminating its contract for forgings supplied by Rex Forge.

“Rex Forge had every reason to believe and expect, from the daily actions and communications with Dana, that future business would continue,” the letter goes on. “It was shocking to receive the notice that Dana no longer wished to do any business with Rex Forge. Without the Dana contract, which represents the sole business for Rex Forge, the company has no ability to continue on and will be shutting down its operations permanently.”

Dana Corp. makes axles, driveshafts, and other equipment for conventional, hybrid and electric-powered vehicles.

Employees at Rex Forge have been advised they will be laid off as the plant closes, but the company says it hopes to provide workers with support including outplacement services.
 

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