Ashland Hardware Systems plans to consolidate manufacturing and distribution capabilities in order to optimize capacity and provide enhanced customer service,officials state.A business unit of Newell Rubbermaid,the supplier of window and door hardware will close its facility in Lowell,Ind.
Ashland will consolidate all manufacturing into the company's Monterrey,Mexico,facility and all distribution into its facility in Freeport,Ill.,"creating two centers of excellence for best-in-industry manufacturing and distribution while simplifying logistics for customers,"executives report.In conjunction with these changes,some professional positions will be transitioned to Ashland's headquarters in Huntersville,N.C.,uniting management functions in one location.
This initiative will be phased in throughout the next several months in order to provide a smooth transition,and Ashland is committed to working closely with customers to maintain quality and service levels.Ashland will continue to operate its facility in Toronto,Canada.
