Cognati Industries has shut down its foundry at Bluffton, IN. The former Sterling Casting Corp. produced gray iron manifolds for marine engines, and was bought by Cognati in 2001 from Hamilton Foundry & Machine Co.

According to local reports, Cognati failed to meet payroll for its 100 or so Bluffton employees on October 3, and plans to seek creditor protection. The plant was closed on September 29.

It's not known if Cognati plans to sell the operation or to reorganize, but U.S. Dept. of Labor officials have begun to inventory the assets to ensure the displaced workers are paid.