Production of larger Dodge branded mounted industrial bearings is being moved from Columbus, Indiana to a sister plant in Marion, North Carolina. Baldor said the plant in Columbus is not being closed and no layoffs are currently expected, but that it is actively seeking buyers for Columbus as a turnkey manufacturing facility.

Baldor Electric Company (USA; NYSE: BEZ; 5251R9N7), Dodge's relatively new owner, has been consolidating manufacturing facilities worldwide since acquiring Reliance and Dodge in 2007 for USD $1.8 billion.

Baldor manufactures electric motors, motor drives, power transmissions, and generators. In early 2007, Baldor acquired Dodge Bearing, Reliance Electric and other operations related to Rockwell Automation's Power Systems Business division.

2006 article: Rockwell to divest Dodge Bearing business
2006 article: Baldor acquiring Dodge Bearing from Rockwell
Founded in 1878, Dodge branded power transmission products include mounted bearings, enclosed shaft mount, helical and worm gearing, and other power transmission components such as bushings, sheaves and conveyor pulleys. Markets are across many applications and industries -- mining, petroleum, aggregate, unit handling, power generation, and package handling.

Opened in 1996, the 176,000 square foot Marion NC bearing plant currently employs approximately 100 workers. It produces 2,600 different Dodge branded mounted bearings -- spherical and tapered roller -- in IDs from 1-3/16" to 5".

Adding Columbus production at Marion coincides with a $3.1 million expansion program that will add 25 workers by 2011. The One North Carolina Fund reportedly put up $76,000 to help offset the expense moving the line from Columbus to Marion.

In 2004, the Marion bearing plant was selected as one of IndustryWeek's Top Ten Best Plants.

2004 article: Dodge Marion wins Best Plant award