By Associated Press
Buffalo, NY – New Era Cap Co. said Friday it will close its Buffalo manufacturing plant and transfer production to its facility in Derby.
The 84-year-old company, which makes caps for Major League Baseball, said the consolidation is necessary to shed excess capacity and maintain its competitive edge.
"It is imperative that we find ways to make ourselves more operationally sound and competitive given that the vast majority of headwear companies do not operate manufacturing facilities in the United States," New Era President Pete Augustine said.
An unspecified number of the 300 Buffalo employees will be offered transfers to New Era's headquarters in Derby.
The move is expected to be completed by the end of June.
New Era said details of the consolidation, including the number of workers to be offered transfers and potential severance packages, would be negotiated between the company and the union for the Buffalo employees.