Clarios, formerly Johnson Controls, has filed a WARN notice with the U.S. Department of Labor regarding the closing of its Middletown plant.
The WARN Notice is required for layoffs or plant closings of 50 or more workers.
The company, owned by private equity firm Brookefield Partners, purchased the business from Johnson Controls. The company makes traditional lead-acid batteries as well as lithium-ion units that are used in a variety of items, including motor vehicles.
The company had been best known for producing the DieHard and other battery brands. The plant survived the closing of both of the state’s auto plants in 2009.
The plant had received assistance from the state as well as property tax abatement from the Town of Middletown when it underwent an expansion several years ago.
More recently, it was cited for emissions violations by the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control.
Also filing a WARN notice in early April was Dentsply Sirona which reported 300 layoffs at its Milford plant. The dental practice supplier saw a steep drop in demand for its products due to office closings for all but emergency procedures.
Former Johnson Controls battery site gets violation notice from DNREC
