Shelbyville auto parts plant closing

SHELBYVILLE, Ind. (AP) - Meridian Automotive Systems is idling a central Indiana factory, putting 295 people out of work.

The company told city officials on Thursday that it was closing the Shelbyville plant for an indefinite period. The announcement
came less than month after Meridian announced a planned layoff of 198 people at the plant in stages over the summer.

The Allen Park, Mich.-based company had said then that the layoffs were necessary because it had lost a major customer, which it did not identify. Meridian has made various parts for several auto companies, including General Motors.

Shelbyville Mayor Scott Furgeson said he hoped Meridian would keep the plant in its long-term plans and someday reopen it.