Is IAC in Huron closing?

HURON — Many employees working for International Automotive Components (IAC) believe they'll all lose their jobs within a year's time.The management team, however, couldn't confirm the Huron plant will close anytime soon.Union representatives hosted an informational meeting Tuesday, inviting the 211 hourly employees presently working there to attend. They met at the UAW Hall on Hayes Avenue (Ohio 4) in Perkins Township.At the gathering, Sherry Wilson — a 30-year plant employee, who also serves as the union's unit chairwoman — offered up as many details as she could."It was just announced to me (that IAC's corporation) will be closing two plants. One is the Huron plant," said Wilson, also alluding to a second operation in Michigan that faces a similar fate. "They say we'll be open through May."As of late Tuesday, executives at the corporate level hadn't notified management reporting to the Huron plant on Sawmill Parkway of any such closure."We're operating as is," said Kelly Jackson, the local plant's human resources manager. "Nothing has been confirmed at this plant."It's possible the IAC plant in Huron could close, according to a high-ranking union spokeswoman, who addressed her colleagues on Tuesday. The plant's management, however, couldn't confirm this belief.In 2012, after a $5 million investment, IAC's Huron plant employed almost 750 people, according to a Register article. But, since then, a lack of business opportunities contributed to the workforce dwindling, Wilson said. Workers build automotive components and systems, such as instrument panels along with interior trim for detail purposes."We won't lose everybody right away," said Wilson, predicting the local plant's job outlook now through May. "They'll probably phase people out over the next six months."Wilson said most of the local IAC employees have worked there for many years, earning a good living. "Our lowest-paid person was $18.06 (an hour). We had excellent benefits."The possible closure would continue a troubling trend for area manufacturing. Most notably, KBI — formerly known as New Departure and Delphi — closed in 2017. At the time, the Sandusky plant employed almost 400 people. At its peak, the plant provided a living for roughly 4,000 people in the late 1970s and early 1980s."It's sad for the community," Wilson said, referencing both situations at KBI and IAC.It's possible the IAC plant in Huron could close, according to a high-ranking union spokeswoman, who addressed her colleagues on Tuesday. The plant's management, however, couldn't confirm this belief.She then directed her next comments solely on IAC: "We have 211 employees, but, for the people affected, you're going to have to (multiply) that by three because there are spouses, there are children, there are whole families affected by this. It's a very emotional thing."Wilson said the union was set to renegotiate its contract in mid-January. The current collective bargaining agreement expires Jan. 31, she said.Despite the grim outlook, Wilson and others are holding out hope for a drastic change."There is always a wing and a prayer, I suppose," Wilson said.It's possible the IAC plant in Huron could close, according to a high-ranking union spokeswoman, who addressed her colleagues on Tuesday. The plant's management, however, couldn't confirm this belief.Reach reporter Andy Ouriel at ouriel@sanduskyregister.com and follow him on Twitter @AndyOuriel.