AYER, MA -- Plexus will close its facility here over the next six months and cut 170 jobs, the EMS company said today. Production will be shifted to other Plexus facilities, mostly in Wisconsin.

The move will save the company about $5 million annually. 

Plexus will take a $2 million restructuring charge beginning in the fiscal 2008 fourth quarter.

In a statement, the company said 65,000 sq. ft. plant will be closed by March with 170 jobs eliminated. It builds defense, security, aerospace and telecommunications products. Plexus said the plant was performing well but the company needed to strategically align production with future needs.