Alcoa Inc. plans to close its Beloit, WI, cast automotive wheel plant by mid 2009, according to published reports. The aluminum producer has not issued a release announcing the news, but it’s been reported that 240 workers at the plant have been informed that production will end June 1, and the plant will close June 30.

Alcoa produces aluminum wheels by casting and forging, but it sold much of it Alcoa Automotive Castings division to Monomoy Capital Partners in late 2007.

The Beloit plant manufactures cast aluminum wheels for commercial vehicle, truck, motorcycle, and automotive markets.