| A long-time production plant in Elizabeth is closing.
Mustang Survival's operation is being shifted to their Spencer site, according to Mark Whitley. Executive Director for economic development in Roane-Jackson County.
"The operations are being consolidated at the one facility," Whitley said.
Whitley said the closure of the Elizabeth operation is expected to happen in the next three or four months.
Dianne Ludwig of the Little Kanawha Area Development said, "The closing of Mustang Survival's Wirt facility is a disappointment, although not entirely unexpected."
"Mustang has expressed a desire in the past to consolidate plant operations under one roof, which is simply impossible in Elizabeth. The sad fact is, as companies are sold, and sold again, lack of local ownership makes all decisions come down to pure numbers."
"The facility left local ownership in 1999 when Mustang Survival purchased Wirt Inflatables," Ludwig Said.
"The Mustang facilities in Elizabeth are company owned, unlike the space they lease in Spencer. It is our hope that a new owner or tenant can be found for the space in Elizabeth," Ludwig concluded.
Employees at the Elizabeth operation are being offered jobs at the Spencer operation.
A news story earlier this year said the Elizabeth plant employs about 100 people and the Spencer facility employs about 60, although a number of Elizabeth employees have been on lay-off, about 30 currently working.
Mustang had been acquired by The Safariland Group earlier this year, a leading manufacturer of protective products and equipment primarily for law enforcement and the military.
Safariland is reportedly owned by a holding company.
See MUSTANG SURVIVAL WILL LOCATE PLANT AT SPENCER
MUSTANG SURVIVAL PLANTS IN SPENCER-ELIZABETH SOLD
| 
