GM, Chrysler woes prompt layoff at Ligonier supplier

The IBJ

Guardian Automotive said it will begin laying off 133 employees today at its Ligonier plant in northeastern Indiana in response to the volatile automotive industry.

The Michigan-based company notified the Indiana Department of Workforce Development of the layoffs yesterday without providing the required 60-day notice.

Guardian Automotive said General Motors Corp.'s decision to shut down its plants for nine weeks and Chrysler LLC's bankruptcy filing did not allow it enough time to give proper notice. Both companies are major customers of the plant, which manufactures glass, fabrication and exterior trim products.

Most of the employees are expected to be called back by July 24. However, an unspecified number of the layoffs will be permanent, the company said.