Crane Valve foundry to close

      According to a statement issued today by William Marquart , plant manager at Crane Valve North America (CVNA) in Washington, employees were notified recently that Washington foundry operations will be closed within the next 90 days.

      Seventy-one employees will be affected by the closure.

      The foundry will be closed because of "organizational changes," the statement said. Machining and assembly operations will not be affected by this decision.

      Marquart 's statement also said, "These changes are necessary to restructure our business appropriately to meet the needs of the marketplace and place CVNA in a cost structure that allows us to remain competitive in this industry."

      The employees affected by the layoff will receive a range of benefits, including medical, dental and other applicable insurance coverage, career transition assistance and severance and/or stay-bonus payments, the company said.