Auto parts supplier closing plant in Lowell

The IBJ

Rieter Automotive North America Inc. plans to close its manufacturing plant in Lowell by the end of the year, leaving 130 employees jobless.

The Farmington Hills, Mich.-based company informed the Indiana Department of Workforce Development on July 23 of its intentions to close the factory in Lake County in northwest Indiana.

Rieter Automotive, a subsidiary of Switzerland-based Rieter Group, manufactures components, modules and systems for acoustic comfort and thermal management.

Parts suppliers have taken a beating this year due to dismal sales by automakers.