June 18, 2006 -- Superior Industries International Inc. laid off an estimated approximately 225 employees at its chrome plating facility in Fayetteville, AR, recently, as part of its previously announced business restructuring. The plant's bright polish operation was not affected.
California-based Superior supplies aluminum wheels and other aluminum automotive components to Ford, General Motors, DaimlerChrysler, Audi, BMW, Isuzu, Jaguar, Land Rover, Mazda, MG Rover, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Subaru, Toyota, and Volkswagen.
President and CEO Steven Borick stated: "The recent shift in the market to less-expensive bright finishing processes has significantly reduced the sales outlook for our chromed products."
Superior recorded a $7.9-million pretax impairment charge in the fourth quarter of 2005, related to its chrome-plating business.