Quebec’s Sigma Industries to shutter Ohio composites plant this year

SAINT-EPHREM-DE-BEAUCE, Que.—A Quebec composites manufacturer plans to shutter its plant in the United States after transferring production to facilities in Quebec.

According to Sigma Industries Inc., it will close its plant in Jefferson, Ohio, after moving composite component production to its René Composites Materials Ltd. subsidiary facilities in Quebec’s Chaudière-Appalaches region, south of Quebec City, in the spring of 2014.

The move will create about 65 jobs at the plants in Saint-Éphrem-de-Beauce and Sainte-Clotilde-de-Beauce, Que., according to the company.

Sigma said the move will reduce cycle times and raw material losses.

“René’s proven reputation with regards to quality and innovation was a determining factor in our decision to concentrate a greater proportion of our fabrication at its facilities,” Sigma president and chief executive Denis Bertrand said in a statement.

“In addition, we believe we will be able to leverage this expertise to further develop our presence in our strategic markets.”