The Affinia Group Inc. recently announced plans to close three manufacturing facilities in the U.S. and Canada as part of its three-year global restructuring program. The affected facilities in Dallas, Texas, Litchfield, Ill., and Milton, Ontario, employ approximately 400 people involved in the manufacture of brake components. Dallas and Milton are expected to close by the end of the first quarter of 2009 with the Litchfield closing coming shortly thereafter. Affinia will offer transitional assistance to affected workers. "Affinia people in each location are extremely talented and dedicated, and these closings in no way reflect upon their performance," says John R. Washbish, President of Affinia's Under Vehicle Group. "Our decision to phase out manufacturing in Dallas, Litchfield and Milton was unavoidable, reflecting fundamental changes that are taking place in the markets we serve around the world. We deeply regret the impact on the lives of our people and their families and will provide assistance where possible during these challenging times." Affinia Group, a global distributor of on- and off-highway replacement products within theservice industry, began a strategic restructuring program in 2005 in response to the globalization of aftermarket manufacturing and sourcing. "For Affinia to continue competing successfully in the global economy, we have focused on lowering our costs while championing world-class quality," Washbish adds. "Achieving these goals has required that we realign our global manufacturing and sourcing approach as reflected in our comprehensive restructuring program." For more information about the Affinia Group Inc., visit the company's Web site. | 
