Eljer Plumbingware cutting 200 jobs (Nearly Half of workforce)

[RamboLiberal]

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/04087/292091.stm

Eljer Plumbingware, Armstrong County's (Pennsylvania) largest remaining manufacturer, will eliminate about 200 of the nearly 500 jobs at its Ford City plant to put the business on firmer footing.

Employees were informed of the decision yesterday. The restructuring must be negotiated with the United Steelworkers union, which represents workers at the plant.

"It's very painful for us, but ultimately it's what we feel we need to do to remain competitive," said Lee Harnish, the plant's director of human resources.

Eljer has operated the plant since 1918, when it purchased a pottery factory built by PPG Industries founder John B. Ford, for whom the town was named. The plant produces toilets and other plumbing equipment.

[w4rma]

1. How can any American factory compete against overseas slave-labor? (nt)