American Axle strike causes layoff at Nyloncraft

By JIM MEENAN, Tribune Staff Report

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Union workers at the American Axle and Manufacturing plant in Three Rivers are in their second week of a strike

Union workers at the American Axle and Manufacturing plant in Three Rivers are in their second week of a strike. (WSBT photo)

By Beth Boehne

MISHAWKA –– The American Axle strike has claimed another local company as its victim.

Nyloncraft Inc., a thermoplastic injection molder located in Mishawaka, laid off 80 people Wednesday afternoon, James Maurer, Nyloncraft director of human resources, said Thursday.

The company’s 250 other employees also will be affected, with many being reduced to a four-day work week.

"It affects everybody," Maurer said. "Salaried folks like myself will share the pain."

The current UAW strike at American Axle has caused several GM plants that receive parts from Nyloncraft to shut down, resulting in the Nyloncraft layoff.

"It’s a layoff strictly caused by the strike at American Axle," Maurer said.

The UAW and American Axle resumed negotiations on a contract Thursday.

The strike caused the H2 Hummer plant in Mishawaka to lay off nearly 400 workers Monday.

If and when the strike is settled, Maurer estimated it could take as long as a week before Nyloncraft could call its 80 people back to work.

The company is one of the larger manufacturers in Mishawaka, employing 330 people when at full capacity.

It supplies parts for the light truck and SUV market to General Motors.

Nyloncraft’s production plant in Jonesville, Mich., is not affected, Maurer said.

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