GARNER, IA -- Nortech Systems will close its electronics manufacturing services facility here by early August and lay off 57 workers, the company said today.

 

“This was a very difficult decision for everyone involved, but a necessary decision aimed at maximizing our efficiency and reducing expenses,” said Mike Degen, president and CEO of Nortech Systems. “To help ensure our company’s long-term health and viability, we are committed to aligning our cost structure with customer demand.”

Nortech's three primary market segments – aerospace/defense, medical and industrial – all have been impacted by deteriorating macroeconomic conditions, the company said. The customer base served by the Garner facility was heavily weighted with industrial customers, the segment where Nortech is seeing the weakest demand.

The closure will impact 57 hourly and salaried employees. Nortech will consolidate its EMS operations at its facility in Merrifield, MN.

Nortech purchased the Garner facility from Suntron Corp. in February 2007.