An Arizona-based company that has had a manufacturing facility in Angola approximately 40 years is shutting its doors at the end of the year, the company announced to workers as required by the federal Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act.

Thirty-one people will lose their jobs when Carlisle Fluid Technologies closes, said the notice dated Oct. 30. 

Angola Mayor Dick Hickman said officials had been in discussion with company representatives to try to keep the company in Angola.

“It is apparent in talking with the company that there was nothing the state of Indiana or the city of Angola could do to salvage these jobs,” Hickman said in an email.

The notice said most hourly workers will be terminated Dec. 31 while most salaried and two hourly employees will be terminated on either March 30 or June 30.

“This action is expected to be permanent in nature and the entire Angola plant will be closed,” the notice said.

Hickman said city officials have been working with the Steuben County Economic Development Corp. and Indiana WorkOne to try to find new, well-paying positions for the Carlisle employees.

“We know this announcement brings uncertainty to these fine employees and we will do everything we can to help them in making a smooth transition,” Hickman said.

Carlisle has had a number of different owners over the years, including DeVilbiss and ITW Ransberg. It was initially started as a DeVilbiss operation before the Toledo, Ohio-based company was sold.

Carlisle Fluid Technologies manufactures a complete range of finishing equipment through its Finishing Brands division, the company’s website said.

The unit is focused on integrated total system solutions through the spraying, pumping, mixing, metering and curing of a variety of coatings used in the transportation, general industrial, protective coating, wood, specialty and auto refinishing markets, the website said.

Carlisle has five equipment brands, including DeVilbiss and Ransburg.
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