Osram Sylvania closing Winchester factory 

Published 3:51 pm Thursday, December 1, 2016

Osram Sylvania announced Wednesday plans to close its Winchester plant next year.

In a press release, Glen Gracia, head of media relations for the Osram Sylvania’s parent company, LEDVANCE, said the closure is a reflection of the changing industry.

Osram Sylvania manufactures incandescent, fluorescent and high-intensity discharge lighting products at seven facilities in the  U.S. The Winchester plant, located on West Washington Street, is expected to close in September 2017.

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“The global lighting market continues to move toward solid state lighting, resulting in greater demand for LED products and diminished demand for the halogen capsules made at the Winchester facility,” Gracia said in the release. “This has shifted the traditional lighting business from a growth to a declining market.”

Production on the single halogen capsule line and associated support equipment will be moved the Versailles plant.

The closure in Winchester will impact about 95 employees over the next 10 months, according to the release.

“The decision to close the plant is a difficult but necessary step in order to focus resources on developing a comprehensive solid state lighting portfolio that best meets the needs of the market and helps ensure future growth,” Gracia said. “The company is proud of the contributions the Winchester plant and its employees have made to the lighting industry and our customers, and is committed to doing what it can to assist employees during this transition period.”

Todd Denham, executive director of the Winchester-Clark County Industrial Development Authority, said he is disappointed to see the long-time local employer close and will work to help the employees find new jobs.

“LEDVANCE has been a fantastic corporate partner in our community for many decades,” he said. “The careers they have provided through the years and their generous support of community projects is immeasurable. It is difficult any time an employer closes its doors but our community is committed to working with LEDVANCE employees to ensure they find viable employment here in Winchester-Clark County and the region.”

About Whitney Leggett

Whitney Leggett is managing editor of The Winchester Sun and Winchester Living magazine. To contact her, email whitney.leggett@winchestersun.com or call 859-759-0049.

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