wiredinUSA August 2020

Rod plant closure

plant in light of the dramatic downturn in business and economic uncertainty brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic,” Hodson wrote in the filing with the state. “We have taken a close look at our rod and refining operations to evaluate whether they are economically viable. After much careful consideration, we have made the difficult decision to close the Norwich plant.” Freeport will continue to operate two other rod mill operations in El Paso, Texas, and Miami, Arizona.

Freeport-McMoRan Copper Products, also known as Phelps Dodge, has decided to close its rod plant in Norwich, Connecticut, due to the downturn in business amid the COVID-19 pandemic. A notice, filed with the state Department of Labor by the plant’s manager, James Hodson, said that the plant expects to permanently lay off 117 employees, beginning in August. “Phelps-Dodge Industries Inc has carefully reviewed the operations at our Norwich

wiredInUSA - August 2020

14