Posted 4:06 pm Saturday, August 23, 2008
Tyler's Carrier Plant To Shift Some Jobs To Mexico
By ADAM RUSSELL
Staff Writer
Workers at the Carrier Corps' manufacturing plant in Tyler were notified Friday that operational changes will shift some jobs to Monterrey, Mexico starting in January.
Staff Writer
Workers at the Carrier Corps' manufacturing plant in Tyler were notified Friday that operational changes will shift some jobs to Monterrey, Mexico starting in January.
Plant Manager Larry Oliver spoke to workers about the changes, Carrier headquarters' communication officer Michelle Caldwell said by phone.
The plant's small package placement (SPP) line will move to Mexico beginning in January and fabrication jobs from the Carrolton plant will move to Tyler by the end of the summer, Ms. Caldwell said.
The Carrolton plant will close.
There will be a reduction in the plant workforce but at this time operational managers do not know how many positions will be lost in the shift, she said.
There will be a reduction in the plant workforce but at this time operational managers do not know how many positions will be lost in the shift, she said.
Ms. Caldwell said Carrier's goal is to minimize the job losses in Tyler and to maximize the plant's manufacturing floor space and efficiency.
"These are always very difficult decisions and we don't underestimate the effect they have on our employees, their families and communities," Oliver said in a prepared statement.
"We believe these actions are necessary to remain competitive in the marketplace and ultimately to provide better service to our customers."
Carrier was unable to disclose how many employees work in the SPP division of the plant or if the changes will lead to layoffs in January and rehiring by summer when the fabrication line is scheduled to begin.
Oliver could not be reached for comment. Sheet Metal Workers Union representatives were unavailable for comment on compensation negotiations for workers who may be displaced. The Tyler Chamber of Commerce lists Carrier Corp. as the city's seventh largest employer, with 1,201 employees.
The facility, at more than half-a-million square feet, produces commercial rooftop units and small residential package systems.
Carrier's headquarters are in Farmington, Conn., and it has 67 manufacturing operations worldwide, employing more than 43,000.
