Faurecia closing four plants in Michigan

Correction: Faurecia is closing two plants in Michigan and two more plants will be affected by the loss of the Chrysler 200. The number of plants being closed altogether was incorrect in an earlier version of this story.

Automotive parts supplier Faurecia has announced the closing of two plants in Michigan, and reduced operations at two more, which will lead to almost 350 people losing jobs there.

The closings are tied to Fiat Chrysler’s decision to end production of the Chrysler 200 and the Dodge Dart. Faurecia North America has notified Michigan officials that two facilities in Fraser and two in Sterling Heights will be closed. In all, the French company is laying off 348 employees in the state.

The company has recently expanded its presence in Bartholomew County with a new plant and nearby tech center in Walesboro. The new plant is expected to have 450 employees when it becomes fully operational.

Tony Sapienza, director of communications for the company’s North America operations, said that the closings will have no effect in the Bartholomew County operations.

Faurecia makes emission systems, automotive seats and interior systems for Detroit’s Big Three automakers and BMW, Nissan, Volkswagen and Hyundai.