NN Inc. (USA; NASDAQ: NNBR; 5251R9N7) announced it will close its Tempe, Arizona Whirlaway metals manufacturing plant, laying off 130.

NN said it will consolidate Tempe to the operation's two facilities and headquarters in Wellington, Ohio; Wellington becomes Whirlaway's only location.

A year ago, NN closed its Whirlaway plant in Hamilton, Ohio, and moved those facilities to Wellington.

article: NN closing Whirlaway Hamilton plant
Acquired by NN in late 2006, Whirlaway specializes in Swiss turning. Its product line includes highly engineered, high-precision, fluid control components and assemblies, shafts and prismatic machined parts for the air conditioning, appliance, automotive, commercial refrigeration and diesel engine markets.

article: NN acquires Whirlaway
Even before it completed the Whirlaway acquisition, NN indicated it would be closing and consolidating some facilities; the economic downturn has accelerated that program.

Rock Baty, NN's Chairman and CEO, said about the Tempe closing: "We are saddened to make this very difficult decision. However, current economic conditions coupled with the long-term manufacturing strategy for our Whirlaway business necessitate a consolidation of our manufacturing resources in Ohio. We anticipate a portion of the current production and products will be consolidated into our remaining two facilities in Wellington, Ohio. During this transition, we will work closely with our customers to ensure continuity in the supply of their products. We expect to incur cash charges of approximately $2.5 million in severance, equipment relocation and other closing costs during the first three quarters of 2010.”