The new facility will consolidate Compac Corp.'s existing plants in Netcong, NJ and Edison, NJ. The sizing actually represents a space reduction of about 17% from the two existing facilities--the Edison plant totals 120,000 sf, while the Netcong facility is just over 100,000 sf, or about 220,000 sf combined.

"This state-of-the-art facility will feature 'lean' manufacturing processes, upgraded equipment, increased efficiencies and improved amenities compared to the existing operations," according to Edward Schwartz, president of TriMas's Industrial Specialties Group. It will enable us to reduce operating costs and continue providing our customers with competitively priced products. It also positions us for future growth."

The Edison plant, which has a workforce of about 60 and makes double-coated, transfer and metal foil tapes for the automotive, aerospace, appliance, construction and fabrication markets, is slated for closure by the end of July 2004. The Netcong facility, which employs just under 100 people and makes duct wrap, duct board and pipe covering products for insulation manufacturers and HVAC installations, will close about two months later. Most of the existing workers will move to the new consolidated location, according to company officials.

"Although it will be several months before we start transferring operations, we've decided to start our transition programs now," says Carl Allieri, president of Compac Corp. "Company representatives will be working with city, county and state services during the transition."

For its part, the Bloomfield Hills, MI-based TriMas Corp. is a producer of specialty niche products for the commercial, industrial and consumer markets. Its various companies are divided into four business groups--Cequent Transportation Accessories, Rieke Packaging Systems, Fastening Specialities and Industrial Specialties (which includes Compac Corp.). TriMas has some 5,000 employees at 80 facilities in 10 countries.